Adivasis from three villages (Umardoh, Bod and Pipal Barra) in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district (Chincholi division) are in the midst of a unique battle to save their forest lands. Haath mein Hathkaddi, Muh Par Kaali Patti, Jangal Do Ya Phaansi (Hands handcuffed, Mouths gagged, Give us our Forests or Hang Us) is the mode of protest reflected in these photographs. There has been repression against these villages by officers of the Forest Department aided by the MP police since December 19, 2015. Forty-five huts of these Adivasis were first destroyed on December 19, 2015, the farm produce also destroyed. They were then re-built by the Adivasis were once again destroyed on January 2, 2016. Adivasi youth who were recording the repressive acts of the forest department were also reportedly roughed up. There are strong protests still brewing.
