This community is significant in the Wynad region. They number approximately 6000 and many of them were (are) bonded labourers to landlords in Wynad. They have now been rehabilitated but a large number do not have land and go back as labourers. In recent times, protests in the Muthanga area of Wyanad were related to access to land and included the Paniya community, amongst other adivasis. Access to land and work, living conditions are the major issues facing this community.
