Tribal people at Morabadi grounds in Ranchi on Thursday, rallying against the local residents' policy and proposed amendments to the age-old tenancy laws.

Under the aegis of Adivasi Buddhijivi Manch and other tribal organisations, over 12,000 indigenous people swamped the capital greens in a show of strength, sending across a strong message.

Tribal leaders warned the Raghubar Das government of statewide protests and economic blockade if the residents' policy and the twin ordinances seeking changes in the CNT and SPT Acts were not rolled back. They also decided to take to the streets with traditional weapons and meet the chief minister to register their protest.

"Tribals have been struggling for land rights for over 300 years. If the proposed amendments to the CNT and SPT Acts come to affect, tribals will lose their land... business houses will benefit," one of the leaders, Victor Malto, said.

Picture by Hardeep Singh