Adivasi leader Sidam Shambhu died at Gandhi hospital

Well known Adivasi leader Sidam Shambhu belonging to Mathadiguda village in Utnoor mandal of Adilabad district died at Gandhi hospital in Hyderabad in the small hours of Friday. Aged around 50 years was undergoing treatment at the hospital for diabetes and liver problem since the last 10 days.

Shambhu is survived by two wives and six children. He was among the founders of the Adivasi organisation Adivasi Hakkula Porata Samithi, also known as Tudum Debba, and was a prominent leader of Adivasi Aikya Vedika.

The departed leader was the first in the then united Adilabad district to raise his voice against injustices to the aboriginal tribes in these parts. He fought for their rights related with land and against their displacement.

A large number of Adivasis and others turned up at his village. The funeral was performed according to Raj Gond customs in Mathadiguda.