Expressing strong resentment over the State Government’s fresh petition at the Supreme Court seeking its nod for a fresh Palli Sabha for mining at the Niyamgiri Hills, a delegation of Dongaria tribe on Tuesday knocked at the door of the Governor for his intervention in the issue.
The delegation led by Niyamgiri Suraksha Sangram Samiti president lada Sikaka and lok Shakti Abhiyan head Prafulla Samantara submitted a fresh memorandum to the Governor who is also the Chairman of Tribal Advisory Council.
“As per the Constitution, the Governor is duty-bound to protect the interests of the tribals. We are now helpless. The two recent developments have driven us to leave Niyamgiri and arrive at Bhubaneswar,” said Sikaka.
He said the Dongaria Kondhs are not safe now.
“Our habitat is on the verge of destruction. The State Government by filing a fresh petition at the SC for mining at the Niyamgiri Hills has posed a threat to our habitat. Further, police are killing innocent tribals in name of encounters. The killing of Manda Kandraka on February 26 is an example of a fake encounter,” said Sikaka.
The tribals urged the Governor to ensure withdrawal of the petition from the SC, declaration of Niyamgiri as the holy habitat of men, animals, nature and all other living beings and a natural heritage, stopping of police repression and `25 lakh aid to the kin of the tribal killed in fake encounter.