Even as the State ST and SC Development (SSD) Department directed the Dictrict Collectors of Kalahandi and Rayagada to conduct Gram Sabhas in 12 tribal clusters in the Niyamgiri hills for consideration of a final approval to the bauxite mining project of the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC)-Vedanta, in an important development, the Niyamgiri Dongaria and Kutia kondh leaders met Governor SC Jamir here on Wednesday requesting him for immediate intervention to save them from a deliberate mischief.
“We have been betrayed by the SSD department as the officials have deliberately notified for conducting Gram Sabhas on Vedanta’ bauxite mining project and on our rights and claims as per the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 only in 12 villages unilaterally selected by them which is a clear violation of the Supreme Court order and the Government of India’s repeated instructions and advice,” stated Kumuti Majhi and lada Sikaka of Niyamgiri Surakhya Samiti.
The Dongarias appealed the Governor that the entire Niyamgiri hills and all hillocks close to their villages are the abode of their God Niyamraja. “We are shocked when some people without talking to us on their own decide what constitutes Niyam Raja keeping our Dongaria community in dark. The mountain region and the hillocks are the centre of our identity, our culture, our religion, our history and our society, as members of the Dongria Kondh tribe. Kutia Kondhs are also among us in several villages. For generations, we and the other villages of this area have been worshiping it. We use the streams and forest produce on its slopes and we have always protected it from any harm. If this area or part of it is damaged or destroyed, it will mean the end of our tribe as a community. No monetary or other compensation can remedy such an irreparable injury,” the tribals justified.
They apprised Jamir that the proposed mine to be operated by the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) and the Vedanta in a joint venture will do severe damage to the area and effectively destroy the sacred sites.
In their memorandum, they demanded quashing of the SSD department order and conduct Gram Sabhas in all the villages in Niyamgiri, stopping of fear and intimidation tactics used by armed security forces in Niyamgiri hills to compel the tribals fall in line, creation of a positive atmosphere so that people come out happily and participate in Gram Sabhas and express free and frank views regarding their rights and claims, halting all Vedanta activities in the area till the Gram Sabhas are conducted in a fair way and an investigation into matters relating to violation of tribal rights in the region, among others.