CPI lambasts Odisha Govt over tribal repression, mining row
The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India (CPI) on Wednesday lashed out at the Odisha Government, accusing it of unleashing “repression” on tribal communities to facilitate corporate mining interests. The party demanded an immediate halt to land acquisition in Rayagada and a high-level probe into a “shocking” incident of administrative apathy in Keonjhar.
In a statement issued on April 29, the CPI alleged that the district administration in the Sijimali area of Rayagada is acting as an “agent” of Vedanta Resources. The party claimed the State Government is violating established laws to push for development at the cost of tribal rights over ‘Jal, Jungle, and Jameen’ (water, forest, and land).
“It is deeply alarming that in Sijimali, where the Gram Sabha has repeatedly and unequivocally rejected permission for mining - approval that is legally mandatory - the administration continues to push ahead,” the statement read. The CPI noted that final clearances from Forest and Environment authorities are still pending and pointed out that the Odisha High Court has already raised concerns regarding the Gram Sabha process.
The party further highlighted a harrowing incident from the mineral-rich Keonjhar district - the home district of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The CPI cited the case of Jeetu Munda from Dianali village, who was reportedly forced to carry the skeletal remains of his sister to a bank due to administrative indifference.
“This incident lays bare the inhuman and insensitive functioning of the State machinery and exposes the hollowness of the Government’s tribal-friendly claims,” the party stated.
The CPI has demanded that the Odisha Government immediately withdraw mining projects being imposed against the will of the people and halt.
