By Express News Service
The violence in the course of the 2003 Muthanga agitation is among the darkest episodes in Kerala’s sociopolitical historical past. An uneducated lady born to slave dad and mom had led the tribal motion. Her swollen face, because of police brutality, stays etched within the collective psyche of Keralites. Many issues about CK Janu have modified since then. She has shaped a political social gathering, which is now a part of NDA, and has contested elections. Janu interacts with TNIE, as a part of the Express Dialogues sequence, and shares her views on politics, society and why tribals stay alienated in God’s Own Country. Excerpts
Nearly 20 years have handed because the Muthanga agitation. When you look again, what do you see now?
The agitation was not capable of obtain its objective of guaranteeing land for all landless tribals. But the 48-day-long battle did give the tribals one thing priceless – a realisation that they’re on their own of their combat for dignity. The tribals who participated within the agitation had affiliations to political events like CPM, Congress, and BJP. They strongly believed that their leaders would come to their assist. That didn’t occur. It additionally introduced the difficulty of landless tribals out of Wayanad. It grew to become a global situation.
The image of C Ok Janu’s swollen face shocked the conscience of Malayalees throughout the globe…
The combat was by no means private. The battle was a collective motion for our rights. I joined in as a result of I might see what individuals like me suffered. The agitation was dealt with by the state authorities with brutality and power as a result of we have been hapless tribals. They didn’t even think about us as human beings. Small youngsters and girls have been overwhelmed up badly. It revealed how merciless and brutal the police personnel have been.
The brutality occurred when A Ok Antony was chief minister, an individual recognized to be peace-loving. Did you anticipate such a suppressive transfer from Antony?
No we didn’t. What we had seen over time was how the successive governments dealt with agitations by sitting nose to nose to debate and resolve points. So we have been fully shocked when police launched an assault unannounced. It’s shameful that such police brutality occurred when an individual like Antony was chief minister. I met him a few instances after that and mentioned varied points with him.
Did Antony at any cut-off date specific remorse in regards to the police brutality?
He had by no means brazenly expressed any remorse however I had seen regret and ache on his face in regards to the incident. Expressing regret or remorse on a call taken as chief minister of the state would have regarded ridiculous. He stood agency on his determination. I respect him for that.
It was alleged that Maoists have been concerned within the agitation…
No outsiders have been concerned.
Geethanandan was a part of the battle. What made you snap ties with him?
When I took a political determination to align with NDA, Geethanandan objected to it. So we needed to cease working collectively. I respect his stand. We haven’t severed our relationship with Geethanandan.
What prompted you to affix electoral politics?
We have seen a whole lot of political fronts coming to energy by means of elections. But have you ever seen any legislature setting a political agenda for Scheduled Caste and Tribes? So the problems of SC/STs will not be resolved politically. I made a decision to align with NDA as a political transfer for the good thing about my group. I didn’t wish to be part of any social gathering. So, I floated Janadhipathiya Rashtriya Party (JRP).
In 2011, Congress supplied you a seat to contest. Why didn’t you settle for it?
They needed me to contest as a Congress candidate. I mentioned no. I made a decision in opposition to it as a result of I’ve seen what political events like CPM, BJP and Congress have been doing for the welfare of the tribals within the state. I’m agency on my determination that I cannot be part of any mainstream political social gathering until my dying. If I discover that my social gathering shouldn’t be capable of obtain the specified outcomes, I’m able to disband it.
When you refused, Congress fielded P Ok Jayalakshmi in Sultan Bathery and made her a minister. Do you remorse your determination?
Never. What has Jayalakshmi finished for the group?
Why did you go together with NDA, as a substitute of Congress or CPM, that are stronger in Kerala?
Today, if we’re a part of NDA, each CPM and Congress are accountable for that. I resigned from CPM membership in 1987 after I realised that they’ve been exploiting us. Congress has additionally by no means finished something for us. We don’t discover something flawed in allying with NDA which agreed to look into our issues.
What has the tribal group gained from aligning with NDA?
The alliance hasn’t yielded any good consequence for the tribals in Kerala. But probably the most optimistic consequence is that they have been the primary to contemplate tribal outfit as an ally in a political entrance. UDF and LDF by no means did that. This recognition for us has made a big impact on the group.
Now we’ve Droupadi Murmu, a tribal lady, because the President…
It’s a significant recognition to the tribals within the nation. We cherish the second. But, simply see the criticisms coming in from totally different quarters. It’s being mentioned she will probably be a rubber stamp president and that she will probably be residing in a 340-room bungalow. Why have been there no such criticisms when different individuals grew to become President? It exhibits the discriminatory angle of our society.
How will the tribal communities profit?
Whether individuals like Droupadi Murmu grow to be President or not, the exploitation of tribals will proceed in several types. But her appointment has despatched out a powerful message {that a} tribal particular person is eligible for the President’s put up. For what number of years did Congress rule the nation? Why didn’t they elect a tribal as President? Now, Congress is saying BJP is aiming for political mileage along with her appointment.
But don’t you suppose this can undermine the relevance of political events like JRP?
No, such strikes won’t have an effect on the relevance of the events shaped by tribals. Even if that occurs I’m not nervous so long as tribals get some advantages out of it. If a satan comes and tells me that it’s going to assist me remedy the problems of my individuals, then I gained’t suppose twice earlier than becoming a member of palms with it even when there’s a hazard of me being swallowed entire.
Has BJP benefitted from the alliance with JRP?
So far the alliance hasn’t made any affect. That doesn’t imply there will probably be no affect sooner or later. All alliances are for mutual profit.
Do you subscribe to the Hindutva politics of BJP?
I’m not bothered about their political ideology. They took us as an ally and gave us recognition as a political power.
Then why did you allow NDA in 2018?
We got here out as a result of just a few of our staff objected to the alliance and I needed to honour their sentiments.
But, you joined once more…
We later allied with NDA after the social gathering staff laid out a correct highway map for the alliance.
Do you suppose your credibility has taken a beating because of the fluctuating stance?
I’m not bothered what others take into consideration me. I decide after I really feel that it’s going to assist me remedy the issues confronted by the group. I’ll let you know an instance… An individual who acquired land resulting from our battle began showering abuses on me every single day after getting drunk. I went to his home and requested why he was doing it. He informed me that he will get rice, Rs 50 for purchasing greens and a bottle of brandy from CPM staff for verbally abusing me. When I heard what he mentioned, I informed him to abuse me often in order that he continues to get what he was getting. I used to be completely happy for him. There is nothing else that may match the happiness of getting up within the morning with a abdomen that had dinner the earlier evening.
Is being landless the foundation reason behind the tribals’ issues?
Yes. How are you able to construct a roof and not using a base? Won’t the roof collapse?
Do you’ve got information on the variety of landless tribals?
No, I don’t have correct information. But, most are landless. When the land was distributed among the many adivasis, we had reminded the federal government how these individuals eke out a residing as every day wage labourers. Hence, together with land, the federal government wants to offer a three-year rehabilitation bundle. If that doesn’t occur, although their ‘landless’ standing modifications, nothing a lot occurs when it comes to upgrading their high quality of life. They proceed to be every day wage labourers and get accused of neglecting the land.
How did adivasi chief C Ok Janu come into being? Did some incident act as a set off?
It simply occurred. It was by no means deliberate. However, if I see the rights of an adivasi being denied or if I see them getting trampled on, I might certainly react. I’ve my views and this has many instances landed me in controversies. But I don’t care.
Speaking about controversies, there have been allegations that BJP president Ok Surendran gave you cash. What’s the reality?
There isn’t any reality within the allegations. The case concerning the identical is happening and I’ve informed everybody that I’m prepared to return anyplace to reply the questions.
Did this dent Janu’s picture as a political determine?
Well, we are able to’t say that. Image shouldn’t be one thing that will get a dent even when somebody tries. If we imagine in such a factor, that’s the begin of our downfall. I don’t care what individuals take into consideration me.
Even while you purchased a automotive, it grew to become an argument…
Why can’t C Ok Janu purchase a automotive? Is she not eligible as a result of she is a tribal? When you step out, you see roads full of automobiles of various makes and sizes. That’s positive. But when Janu buys a automotive, it’s a downside. This exhibits the very feudalistic angle of society. This exhibits the contempt that the well-heeled, so-called upper-class individuals have for the tribals.
Adivasis are referred to as the kids of the forest. They have a lifestyle. Do you need them to return into the mainstream? Won’t it result in an erosion of their tradition and traditions?
In my opinion, the adivasis haven’t signed any settlement with anybody saying they’ll stay within the forest endlessly in a sure manner. They are additionally eligible for a lifetime of dignity and stuffed with decisions as others have. They shouldn’t be seen as separate entities. They too have the precise to equality and the Constitution ensures that. Their existence may be very important for the survival of society as a complete.
Child marriage is rampant amongst tribal communities…
Adivasis don’t know legal guidelines. What must be finished is to make them conscious of the legal guidelines and guidelines. In our system, no person will get married primarily based on age. They marry after they suppose they’re prepared for marriage. But I can let you know that there aren’t any unwed moms amongst tribals.
Your dad and mom have been slave staff. How was their life?
My dad and mom used to work within the paddy fields from 6am to 6pm. They used to get paddy as their wage. It was two litres for ladies and three for males. However, the quantity of paddy acquired might by no means fulfill the hungry bellies of 5 children. Hunger was once our fixed companion. Adivasi is at all times half hungry.
You have been related to Arundhati Roy. Do you continue to keep contact?
Arundhati Roy is a buddy. She was the one who helped change the standing of our agitation. When I used to be arrested and jailed, I wasn’t allowed to fulfill anybody for a month. It was solely after her intervention that I acquired to fulfill individuals.
Heard that Ok R Gouri Amma had helped you…
Yes. She did. I think about Gouri Amma to be like a mom to me. She is the one political determine that I like in Kerala.
Do you suppose had she grow to be CM, tribals would have benefitted?
If she had grow to be CM, she would have labored for the uplift of ladies. However, she was denied the possibility by the lads right here. She was an individual who had the heart to resolve and take motion. An individual ought to be evaluated primarily based on his or her functionality and never by gender.
The governments have been implementing varied schemes for tribals. But their residing circumstances stay deplorable…
The adivasis don’t know in regards to the growth tasks or schemes. What is going on is that these tasks are benefitting the middlemen. As lengthy as this technique stays, nothing will change. To put a cease to this, the federal government ought to arrange a particular tribal mission. Besides the mission, a monitoring system additionally must be set as much as monitor what is going on. However, it’s a unhappy proven fact that for events, adivasis are a commodity and a way to win elections.
There are allegations that BJP is trying to Hinduise the tribal inhabitants…
Tribals will not be Hindus. See, I belong to the Adiya group. Our life relies on the Gothra customized. I want to reside on this tradition until I die. My tradition, information, and customized are a contribution to this society. In our space, when the village officer points group certificates to our individuals, caste is talked about as Hindu Adiya. In my phrases, they need to create an ‘Adivasi’ faith.
Religion requires a god. Isn’t it?
All gods are created by man. We gave them the aura of perception and religion. I say that faith ought to require solely the idea of Surya Bhagavan and Bhumi Devi. That’s my idea.
Some tribals have been given land. Have their lives acquired higher?
I personal 1.25 acres of land, which I acquired by means of the agitation. However, I’ve no pattayam (title deed) for this land and solely the possession certificates. We haven’t any proper to chop timber on this land, nor we are able to promote this land or pay land tax. If we face a loss to our crops, we don’t get compensation nor can I take loans. The authorities is creating second-grade residents by means of this discrimination.
These norms have been made with the intention that outsiders don’t usurp your land…
Who encroached on our land? Those who declare to have training, information, and political consciousness did this. The authorities fears that tribals will promote their lands. Then why did they distribute pattayams to those that encroached on tribals’ land? Why shouldn’t we be capable to promote our land? It’s our land. No political social gathering ought to suppose that they’re doing a favour to tribals by giving land.
How did you be taught letters?
I realized on my own. I knew that there was no person to show me.
Rahul Gandhi changing into Wayanad MP introduced nationwide consideration. Do you suppose this can do good for Wayanad?
We don’t need nationwide consideration. What we wish is sensible motion. He is an efficient particular person and may do a number of issues for Wayanad. But, he has not finished a lot to this point.
Heard you might be writing an autobiography?
The e-book will come out in six months.
Does the e-book have private or political issues?
It’s principally about my life and struggles. Politics is a necessary a part of my life.
The violence in the course of the 2003 Muthanga agitation is among the darkest episodes in Kerala’s sociopolitical historical past. An uneducated lady born to slave dad and mom had led the tribal motion. Her swollen face, because of police brutality, stays etched within the collective psyche of Keralites. Many issues about CK Janu have modified since then. She has shaped a political social gathering, which is now a part of NDA, and has contested elections. Janu interacts with TNIE, as a part of the Express Dialogues sequence, and shares her views on politics, society and why tribals stay alienated in God’s Own Country. Excerpts
Nearly 20 years have handed because the Muthanga agitation. When you look again, what do you see now?
The agitation was not capable of obtain its objective of guaranteeing land for all landless tribals. But the 48-day-long battle did give the tribals one thing priceless – a realisation that they’re on their own of their combat for dignity. The tribals who participated within the agitation had affiliations to political events like CPM, Congress, and BJP. They strongly believed that their leaders would come to their assist. That didn’t occur. It additionally introduced the difficulty of landless tribals out of Wayanad. It grew to become a global situation.
The image of C Ok Janu’s swollen face shocked the conscience of Malayalees throughout the globe…
The combat was by no means private. The battle was a collective motion for our rights. I joined in as a result of I might see what individuals like me suffered. The agitation was dealt with by the state authorities with brutality and power as a result of we have been hapless tribals. They didn’t even think about us as human beings. Small youngsters and girls have been overwhelmed up badly. It revealed how merciless and brutal the police personnel have been.
The brutality occurred when A Ok Antony was chief minister, an individual recognized to be peace-loving. Did you anticipate such a suppressive transfer from Antony?
No we didn’t. What we had seen over time was how the successive governments dealt with agitations by sitting nose to nose to debate and resolve points. So we have been fully shocked when police launched an assault unannounced. It’s shameful that such police brutality occurred when an individual like Antony was chief minister. I met him a few instances after that and mentioned varied points with him.
Did Antony at any cut-off date specific remorse in regards to the police brutality?
He had by no means brazenly expressed any remorse however I had seen regret and ache on his face in regards to the incident. Expressing regret or remorse on a call taken as chief minister of the state would have regarded ridiculous. He stood agency on his determination. I respect him for that.
It was alleged that Maoists have been concerned within the agitation…
No outsiders have been concerned.
Geethanandan was a part of the battle. What made you snap ties with him?
When I took a political determination to align with NDA, Geethanandan objected to it. So we needed to cease working collectively. I respect his stand. We haven’t severed our relationship with Geethanandan.
What prompted you to affix electoral politics?
We have seen a whole lot of political fronts coming to energy by means of elections. But have you ever seen any legislature setting a political agenda for Scheduled Caste and Tribes? So the problems of SC/STs will not be resolved politically. I made a decision to align with NDA as a political transfer for the good thing about my group. I didn’t wish to be part of any social gathering. So, I floated Janadhipathiya Rashtriya Party (JRP).
In 2011, Congress supplied you a seat to contest. Why didn’t you settle for it?
They needed me to contest as a Congress candidate. I mentioned no. I made a decision in opposition to it as a result of I’ve seen what political events like CPM, BJP and Congress have been doing for the welfare of the tribals within the state. I’m agency on my determination that I cannot be part of any mainstream political social gathering until my dying. If I discover that my social gathering shouldn’t be capable of obtain the specified outcomes, I’m able to disband it.
When you refused, Congress fielded P Ok Jayalakshmi in Sultan Bathery and made her a minister. Do you remorse your determination?
Never. What has Jayalakshmi finished for the group?
Why did you go together with NDA, as a substitute of Congress or CPM, that are stronger in Kerala?
Today, if we’re a part of NDA, each CPM and Congress are accountable for that. I resigned from CPM membership in 1987 after I realised that they’ve been exploiting us. Congress has additionally by no means finished something for us. We don’t discover something flawed in allying with NDA which agreed to look into our issues.
What has the tribal group gained from aligning with NDA?
The alliance hasn’t yielded any good consequence for the tribals in Kerala. But probably the most optimistic consequence is that they have been the primary to contemplate tribal outfit as an ally in a political entrance. UDF and LDF by no means did that. This recognition for us has made a big impact on the group.
Now we’ve Droupadi Murmu, a tribal lady, because the President…
It’s a significant recognition to the tribals within the nation. We cherish the second. But, simply see the criticisms coming in from totally different quarters. It’s being mentioned she will probably be a rubber stamp president and that she will probably be residing in a 340-room bungalow. Why have been there no such criticisms when different individuals grew to become President? It exhibits the discriminatory angle of our society.
How will the tribal communities profit?
Whether individuals like Droupadi Murmu grow to be President or not, the exploitation of tribals will proceed in several types. But her appointment has despatched out a powerful message {that a} tribal particular person is eligible for the President’s put up. For what number of years did Congress rule the nation? Why didn’t they elect a tribal as President? Now, Congress is saying BJP is aiming for political mileage along with her appointment.
But don’t you suppose this can undermine the relevance of political events like JRP?
No, such strikes won’t have an effect on the relevance of the events shaped by tribals. Even if that occurs I’m not nervous so long as tribals get some advantages out of it. If a satan comes and tells me that it’s going to assist me remedy the problems of my individuals, then I gained’t suppose twice earlier than becoming a member of palms with it even when there’s a hazard of me being swallowed entire.
Has BJP benefitted from the alliance with JRP?
So far the alliance hasn’t made any affect. That doesn’t imply there will probably be no affect sooner or later. All alliances are for mutual profit.
Do you subscribe to the Hindutva politics of BJP?
I’m not bothered about their political ideology. They took us as an ally and gave us recognition as a political power.
Then why did you allow NDA in 2018?
We got here out as a result of just a few of our staff objected to the alliance and I needed to honour their sentiments.
But, you joined once more…
We later allied with NDA after the social gathering staff laid out a correct highway map for the alliance.
Do you suppose your credibility has taken a beating because of the fluctuating stance?
I’m not bothered what others take into consideration me. I decide after I really feel that it’s going to assist me remedy the issues confronted by the group. I’ll let you know an instance… An individual who acquired land resulting from our battle began showering abuses on me every single day after getting drunk. I went to his home and requested why he was doing it. He informed me that he will get rice, Rs 50 for purchasing greens and a bottle of brandy from CPM staff for verbally abusing me. When I heard what he mentioned, I informed him to abuse me often in order that he continues to get what he was getting. I used to be completely happy for him. There is nothing else that may match the happiness of getting up within the morning with a abdomen that had dinner the earlier evening.
Is being landless the foundation reason behind the tribals’ issues?
Yes. How are you able to construct a roof and not using a base? Won’t the roof collapse?
Do you’ve got information on the variety of landless tribals?
No, I don’t have correct information. But, most are landless. When the land was distributed among the many adivasis, we had reminded the federal government how these individuals eke out a residing as every day wage labourers. Hence, together with land, the federal government wants to offer a three-year rehabilitation bundle. If that doesn’t occur, although their ‘landless’ standing modifications, nothing a lot occurs when it comes to upgrading their high quality of life. They proceed to be every day wage labourers and get accused of neglecting the land.
How did adivasi chief C Ok Janu come into being? Did some incident act as a set off?
It simply occurred. It was by no means deliberate. However, if I see the rights of an adivasi being denied or if I see them getting trampled on, I might certainly react. I’ve my views and this has many instances landed me in controversies. But I don’t care.
Speaking about controversies, there have been allegations that BJP president Ok Surendran gave you cash. What’s the reality?
There isn’t any reality within the allegations. The case concerning the identical is happening and I’ve informed everybody that I’m prepared to return anyplace to reply the questions.
Did this dent Janu’s picture as a political determine?
Well, we are able to’t say that. Image shouldn’t be one thing that will get a dent even when somebody tries. If we imagine in such a factor, that’s the begin of our downfall. I don’t care what individuals take into consideration me.
Even while you purchased a automotive, it grew to become an argument…
Why can’t C Ok Janu purchase a automotive? Is she not eligible as a result of she is a tribal? When you step out, you see roads full of automobiles of various makes and sizes. That’s positive. But when Janu buys a automotive, it’s a downside. This exhibits the very feudalistic angle of society. This exhibits the contempt that the well-heeled, so-called upper-class individuals have for the tribals.
Adivasis are referred to as the kids of the forest. They have a lifestyle. Do you need them to return into the mainstream? Won’t it result in an erosion of their tradition and traditions?
In my opinion, the adivasis haven’t signed any settlement with anybody saying they’ll stay within the forest endlessly in a sure manner. They are additionally eligible for a lifetime of dignity and stuffed with decisions as others have. They shouldn’t be seen as separate entities. They too have the precise to equality and the Constitution ensures that. Their existence may be very important for the survival of society as a complete.
Child marriage is rampant amongst tribal communities…
Adivasis don’t know legal guidelines. What must be finished is to make them conscious of the legal guidelines and guidelines. In our system, no person will get married primarily based on age. They marry after they suppose they’re prepared for marriage. But I can let you know that there aren’t any unwed moms amongst tribals.
Your dad and mom have been slave staff. How was their life?
My dad and mom used to work within the paddy fields from 6am to 6pm. They used to get paddy as their wage. It was two litres for ladies and three for males. However, the quantity of paddy acquired might by no means fulfill the hungry bellies of 5 children. Hunger was once our fixed companion. Adivasi is at all times half hungry.
You have been related to Arundhati Roy. Do you continue to keep contact?
Arundhati Roy is a buddy. She was the one who helped change the standing of our agitation. When I used to be arrested and jailed, I wasn’t allowed to fulfill anybody for a month. It was solely after her intervention that I acquired to fulfill individuals.
Heard that Ok R Gouri Amma had helped you…
Yes. She did. I think about Gouri Amma to be like a mom to me. She is the one political determine that I like in Kerala.
Do you suppose had she grow to be CM, tribals would have benefitted?
If she had grow to be CM, she would have labored for the uplift of ladies. However, she was denied the possibility by the lads right here. She was an individual who had the heart to resolve and take motion. An individual ought to be evaluated primarily based on his or her functionality and never by gender.
The governments have been implementing varied schemes for tribals. But their residing circumstances stay deplorable…
The adivasis don’t know in regards to the growth tasks or schemes. What is going on is that these tasks are benefitting the middlemen. As lengthy as this technique stays, nothing will change. To put a cease to this, the federal government ought to arrange a particular tribal mission. Besides the mission, a monitoring system additionally must be set as much as monitor what is going on. However, it’s a unhappy proven fact that for events, adivasis are a commodity and a way to win elections.
There are allegations that BJP is trying to Hinduise the tribal inhabitants…
Tribals will not be Hindus. See, I belong to the Adiya group. Our life relies on the Gothra customized. I want to reside on this tradition until I die. My tradition, information, and customized are a contribution to this society. In our space, when the village officer points group certificates to our individuals, caste is talked about as Hindu Adiya. In my phrases, they need to create an ‘Adivasi’ faith.
Religion requires a god. Isn’t it?
All gods are created by man. We gave them the aura of perception and religion. I say that faith ought to require solely the idea of Surya Bhagavan and Bhumi Devi. That’s my idea.
Some tribals have been given land. Have their lives acquired higher?
I personal 1.25 acres of land, which I acquired by means of the agitation. However, I’ve no pattayam (title deed) for this land and solely the possession certificates. We haven’t any proper to chop timber on this land, nor we are able to promote this land or pay land tax. If we face a loss to our crops, we don’t get compensation nor can I take loans. The authorities is creating second-grade residents by means of this discrimination.
These norms have been made with the intention that outsiders don’t usurp your land…
Who encroached on our land? Those who declare to have training, information, and political consciousness did this. The authorities fears that tribals will promote their lands. Then why did they distribute pattayams to those that encroached on tribals’ land? Why shouldn’t we be capable to promote our land? It’s our land. No political social gathering ought to suppose that they’re doing a favour to tribals by giving land.
How did you be taught letters?
I realized on my own. I knew that there was no person to show me.
Rahul Gandhi changing into Wayanad MP introduced nationwide consideration. Do you suppose this can do good for Wayanad?
We don’t need nationwide consideration. What we wish is sensible motion. He is an efficient particular person and may do a number of issues for Wayanad. But, he has not finished a lot to this point.
Heard you might be writing an autobiography?
The e-book will come out in six months.
Does the e-book have private or political issues?
It’s principally about my life and struggles. Politics is a necessary a part of my life.
