Tribals of the Niyamgiri Hills in Rayagada district have threatened to boycott the ensuing elections protesting the pro-industry policy of the State Government leading to the handing over of their land, forests and water to multinational companies.
The decision was taken at a meeting organised by the Niyamgiri Suraksha Manch at Manda village of Munikhol panchayat under Muniguda block here on Monday. The Manch, however, decided that it will allow those who will vote against the BJD Government in the State to exercise their franchise.
The meeting, presided over by the president of the Manch Bari Pidikaka, was attended by more than 500 representatives of the SC, ST and backward communities from 112 villages of Muniguda and Bissam Cuttack block in the district.
The tribals alleged that the State Government failed to provide basic amenities to them. Even the Dangaria Kandh Development Agency set up by the State has remained a non-starter,they added.On the other hand, it has been taking retaliatory action by remanding them to judicial custody and branding them as Maoists if they raise their voice against the multinational companies that have deprived them of their legitimate rights on their forest, land and water.The meeting urged the State to stop coercive measures by the CRPF personnel and the local police against the Dangaria women and the villagers during combing operations in their areas.