more-in Strongly opposing the move to include Boya Valmikis and fishermen in the ST list, members of Girijan Sangham and Akhila Bharatiya Girijan Udyoga Sangham said they would approach the President in this regard soon. Addressing the media here on Wednesday, S. Damodaran of Girijan Sangam said there are about 35 tribes in AP that are listed in the ST category and the total population is around 27 lakhs. “On the other hand the total population of Boya Valmiki and fishermen is over 1 crore. In such a scenario, we will be marginalised and we would suffer in the long run, as they would take the cream,” he said. He also said the State government or the committee instituted to look into the matter had consulted the girijans. “This is wrong, as per the norms. We should have been taken into confidence,” said O. Ramalingam of Akhila Bharatiya Girijan Udyoga Sangam. Sangham leaders said they would first take up an awareness campaign to educate all Girijans in this matter and then approach the President with a memorandum.

Stay updated with all the Latest Visakhapatnam headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.