In the first instance of Maoists targeting foreigners, two Italian tourists were abducted in the forests bordering Orissa's Kandhamal-Ganjam districts. The kidnapping came to light late on Saturday night after the Maoists released two men abducted along with the Italians, Bosusco Paolo and Claudio Colangelo.  The Maoists claim the four were kidnapped on March 14. This came to light only after the release of Sontosh Moharana and Kartik Parida with audio...

They had waited for six years to know the status of their dues from forest department. Brothers Pandurang and Narayan Gaekwad, tribals from Dang district, had expected a favourable reply to their application filed under Right to Information (RTI) Act. However, what they received on Friday was a threat from an official for seeking to know by when will they receive their money for the 12 teak trees worth Rs...

-The Times of India tribals and dalits led by social activist Vijay Vinit have threatened to start hunger strike from March 16, 2012, if illegal mining operating is not stopped in Sonbhadra district. They have also demanded that all the officials, mafia, politicians, journalists who have been named in the recent mining accident should also be arrested. Twelve labourers had died and scores injured in the mining accident on February 27....

-The Hindu   Governments of all hues at the Center and state levels have always claimed to be working for uplift of dalits and tribals, two of the most deprived sections in India. Together, they comprise nearly a quarter of India's population. Yet progress has been slow and patchy despite decades of affirmative action. Why?  Part of the answer lies in gross neglect and insincerity of political rulers - this is the conclusion...

Ritesh Gautam is a resident of a backward area in Pohara village in Dharni tehsil in Melghat. He migrated to Madhya Pradesh in search of work. Manohar Bode from Seamdoh village went to Solapur for the same reason. Both are back home to celebrate Holi, the biggest festival of tribals. Like Gautam and Bode, there are many youth from the region who left home in search of jobs. They are victims...