Source: World Organisation Against Torture
COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU, April 2, 2001: Since 1986 when the Coimbatore Zoological Park was formed with the intention of establishing a conservation centre 30 kilometers from Coimbatore City, tension has existed between this group and the tribal people. The area allocated for the park, known as the Poramboke lands, is the very land that the tribals, known as Irula Adivasis, consider to be home. For close to twenty-five years CZP officials have badgered the tribals with threats and destruction of property. Appealing for help in restoring the rights of the tribals, the OMCT desperation escalated when on March 25, 2001 a tribal activist’s home was burned to the ground.