Defence officials face ire of tribals

Nalgonda: Defence officials from Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) faced the ire of tribal people and other villagers at Rachakonda in Nalgonda district on Wednesday.

Accompanied by District Revenue staff, they went to Rachakonda to conduct land survey at the site where BDL proposes to establish its missile unit. The tribals, including women, obstructed the officials while vehemently opposing the new unit. Armed with sticks and axes, they created tension when some villagers poured kerosene on one of the officials.

Somla threatened to set himself on fire if the officials did not go back. In the melee five cars belonging to the officials were damaged. Unable to restore order and with the locals remaining fiercely adamant, the officials returned without conducting the land survey. The gathering warned of intensified agitation if the proposal was not dropped forthwith.

It may be noted that residents from 50 tribal thandas and ten villages in Choutuppal, Munugode and Narayanpur mandals in Nalgonda district have been opposing the missile unit as they apprehend that it would spell disaster to their livelihood. However, Defense officials claim that only 11 acres would be required for the unit and there was no reason for the locals to get upset.