Although the country has seen massive development since its independence, the indigenous people are still faced with inequity due to the government's apathy, said leaders of indigenous communities in Dinajpur yesterday.

Marking 50 years of the country's independence, the indigenous people of Dinajpur formed a human chain in front of Dinajpur Press Club, under the banner of Jatiya Adivasi Parishad's (JAP) Dinajpur chapter.

Citing recent incidents, including the eviction of Santals in Gaibandha's Gobindganj, Rabindranath Soren, JAP president, said the government is patronising land grabbing in the country.

"We have repeatedly urged the government to form a separate land commission for the indigenous communities but to no avail," said Soren.

Khokon Suiten Murmu, JAP member, questioned the quota system for indigenous people in government jobs.

"The job quota is only in papers as our people hardly get government jobs under the system," he claimed.

Shital Mardi, president of JAP's Dinajpur chapter, also spoke at the event.