The Lodha Sabar Kalyan Samiti, backed by several tribal organisations, had gone a hunger strike on Tuesday demanding sustainable development of the tribal community in the district according to the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Through the hunger strike, the tribal leaders demanded formation of a Lodha cell for the development of the Lodhas in the district. District Magistrate N S Nigam said that a Lodha cell already exists which is looking after the welfare of the tribe. “But the cell could not function normally for the last two months owing to the Salboni and Lalgarh unrest,” Nigam added.

The district administration has requested the tribal leaders to put forward their suggestions for the development of the Lodhas which would be considered by the state government. “The tribal leaders would hand over their suggestions in seven days. The district administration would then hold talks with them,” said Nigam.