Hundreds of tribals in Kalahandi district under the banner of the Niyamagiri Suraksha Samiti (NSS) organised a meeting on Sunday to celebrate the Supreme Court’s May 13 verdict against any mining activities in the Niyamgiri Hills marking the World Environment Day.
Dongria and Jharania tribals hailing from as many as 112 villages split into five groups with traditional weapons in their hands began their Vijay Padayatras since May 29 to celebrate the apex court’s verdict which culminated on Sunday.
Former Kalahandi MP Bhakta Das, social activist Medha Patekar, Biramitrapur MlA George Tirkey, NSS conevnor Prafulla Samantara, farmers leader lingaraj and Supreme Court lawyer Sanjay Parekh attended the rally.
While Patekar and Samantara totally opposed mining in the hills, Bhakta Das said there is no problem if Vedanta undertakes its mining activities in any other parts of the district.
Coming down heavily on the Government, loda Sikaka, a member of the Samiti, said the Government has unleashed a reign of terror on the foothills of Niyamagiri by deploying platoons of paramilitary forces and other special operation groups.