Malappuram (Kerala), Aug 2 (PTI) Members of the Cholanaikkan tribe, regarded as one of Asia’s last surviving cave-dwelling indigenous communities, came out from the forest to receive essential government documents at an event organised by the district administration in this district on Sunday, officials said.
The members of the tribe came from Mancheeri in the Karulai reserve forest, and from Vadakkekotta Hills under the Chakkikuzhi Forest Station limits in Amarambalam panchayat in the district, they added.
A six-member group led by tribal elder Mathan walked nearly eight kilometres through the forest from Achananala to Chakkikuzhi Forest Station, from where they were brought to the ‘adalat’ held at Nilambur near here, on a Forest Department vehicle, officials said.
The Cholanaikkans, who largely depend on collecting forest produce for their livelihood, rarely come out of the forest.
Officials said that five members received health cards and caste certificates at the camp.
Two members were provided bank accounts, while one received a ration card, officials said.
The beneficiaries shared their happiness with Minister for Development of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes K A Thulasi and Nilambur MLA Aryadan Shoukath before returning to the forest.
In all, 20 members of the Cholanaikkan community from Mancheeri in the Karulai forest were brought to the adalat by the Forest Department to obtain various official certificates, officials said. PTI TBA TBA ADB
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