Commemorating The Srikakulam Tribal Uprising: A Landmark Struggle For Land And Equality In Telangana

Five decades ago, a peasant revolt took place in the Srikakulam district, of Andhra Pradesh. It began in 1967 and concluded in 1970. It took place after the Girijans retaliated against the landlords by possessing their lands, property and food grain seizure. Raitu Coolie Sangham’s President S Jhansi said that it is the responsibility of the youth to remember the spirit of the historical struggle and the sacrifices of the farmers of that time.

While talking to Local 18, S Jhansi said that the Srikakulam Tribal Struggle was a protest against the violence perpetrated by the zamindars, their vassals on the tribals who were living a peaceful life.

The first tribal convention was held in 1961. The leaders appreciated the valour of the tribals who did not know a single letter but became fighters for the cause. He said that many sacrificed their lives in the struggle. The landlords conspired to crush the movement that started as a trickle before it turned into a flood. It is believed that the rulers of that time helped the landlords to curb the movement.

The revolt surged after two people associated with the communists, Koranna and Manganna were killed by landlords at Levidi village while the two were going to attend Girijan Samagam Conference. It is believed that the landlords took out a gun from the CI’s pocket and killed the tribal people.

The mortal remains of the first martyrs who fell on the way of the battle were moved to the burial mounds in the hills for three days. Girijan started retaliating by land, property and food grain seizures from the landlords. These activities spread in different villages paralyzing the local police for six months until additional police forces were sent by the government.

It is believed that the 1/70 act of Telangana that exists today is the basis for many rights, starting with the establishment of GCCs, the determination of affordable prices for tribal products, and tribal education. As per media reports, up to 150 people and 100 activists were martyred in this struggle.