The hunted- In search of home and hope

Entry 52

Synopsis: Aborigines seldom count in the total scheme of things. Even in a state like Kerala, a global model with its high levels of literacy, education & healthcare, they remain marginalized. The South Indian state, which pioneered land reforms, was blind to the plight of the tribes, evicted from their habitat by corporate planters. Their protest was put only by 18 rounds of firing on February 19, 2003. A revisit to Muthanga five years after the cruel repression.

Shajji Pattanam was the sole cameraman to find his way to the killing field in the wilderness cordoned off to other journalists. He recorded the events until the armed policemen turned to him. He too was brutally beaten up but hid the tapes from his attackers. The footage refuted the official version and created a public outcry against the murderous onslaught against the helpless tribe. He has been following tribal issues across Kerala.