Jenu Kuruba Protest for Ancestral Forest Rights

The Jenu Kuruba tribal community in Karnataka is holding protests to assert their rights over ancestral forest land. Even 20 years after the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, many of their rights have still not been fully recognised or implemented by the state’s forest department.

Members of the community say they have lived in these forests for generations, but continue to face evictions, restrictions, and lack of legal recognition. They have also alleged that the government has increased surveillance and monitoring in their areas through the Tiger Task Force and Elephant Task Force, which they say has added to their difficulties.

While most people across Karnataka welcomed the New Year at midnight on January 1, Shivu JK, a young leader of the Jenu Kuruba community, was walking deep inside the Nagarhole forests. He was leading a 13-day padayatra (foot march) to peacefully demand recognition of their traditional land rights.

Community leaders said this march is part of their long-standing struggle for justice and dignity. They stressed that this is not the first protest by the Jenu Kurubas and that they will continue their movement until their forest rights are fully enforced under the law.

The protest has drawn attention to the unfinished implementation of the Forest Rights Act and the ongoing challenges faced by tribal communities in protected forest areas.