Mangaluru: Facing decades of administrative neglect, members of the Koraga community, one of the 75 particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in India, have announced an intensified agitation against local authorities over the long-pending distribution of title deeds in Mangaluru city.Despite assurances from elected representatives and the govt promising to reach their doorsteps, 33 Koraga families residing at Vamanjoor Mangalajyothi in Mangaluru continue to be denied basic housing due to official apathy. Frustrated by the prolonged delay, the community has decided to intensify its protest. A semi-nude foot march will be held from Pumpwell to the deputy commissioner’s office on Oct 12, demanding immediate action.Muneer Katipalla, district secretary, CPM, said that the background of the dispute traces back several decades, when Venkoji Rao, a disciple of social reformer Kudmul Ranga Rao, donated an eight-acre plot specifically to provide housing sites for the Koraga community. Following years of persistent struggle and agitation by community members, title deeds for the 33 families were finally prepared by the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) a year ago. However, despite the documents being ready, both the city corporation and the district administration have failed to distribute them, stalling the process for over a year without any valid reason, he said.Exhausted by official indifference, the Koraga community led by Karnataka Adivasi Hakkugala Samanvaya Samiti has decided to launch a sharp escalation of their protest, Muneer said.The demonstration will culminate in a semi-nude protest march from Pumpwell (Mahaveer Circle) to the deputy commissioner’s office, symbolizing their outrage against administrative neglect and demanding the immediate handover of their land rights. Extending full solidarity to the agitation, Muneer confirmed that he will march alongside the Koraga community during the protest to stand in solidarity with the community, emphasising that supporting the Koragas in their fight for justice.
