17 tribal families in Unnathi in Palakkad may lose their homes due to lack of documents

Mannarkkad: The tribal people of Thenkara Kaithachira Kombamkundu Unnathi settlement are destined to live as strangers in the land where they have been living for years. They are unable to receive various benefits including houses from the government as they do not possess the ownership documents or title deeds of the land where they have been living for over five decades.

The tribal people have written to the minister urging him either to grant them the necessary ownership documents or to relocate them to another location that has proper documents. 

17 tribal families live in Kombamkundu Unnathi settlement. The families that have been living here for ages do not possess the ownership certificates or other important documents like the title deed. The ownership of this land cannot be granted to these tribal families as it has been mired in a michabhoomi (residue land) case.

Many houses in the settlement were constructed decades ago and are almost on the verge of dilapidation. The walls of Mahesh’s house in Unnathi are broken and cracked at many places. The house looks as if it would fall down at any moment. The family including an infant live in this house that is in a precarious condition. Meanwhile, this is the condition of most houses in the settlement.

The panchayat cannot allow houses or grant monetary aid for maintenance as the land does not have pattayam (title deed). Besides, the tribals might be displaced in case the verdict of the legal case turns unfavourable for the government.

People of Unnathi have appealed to minister K Rajan urging him either to grant them the necessary ownership documents or relocate them to another suitable land. Meanwhile, the minister has promised to intervene in the matter and take a favourable decision.