TNI Bureau: In a significant development, BJD’s Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra, has formally petitioned the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) seeking urgent intervention into the situation in Sijimali, Odisha. His letter invokes the Commission’s constitutional mandate under Article 338A, highlighting serious concerns over alleged police excesses and violations of tribal rights.

The petition comes in the backdrop of tensions surrounding a proposed bauxite mining project in the Sijimali region. According to Patra, confrontations between police forces and local tribal communities protesting the project have resulted in injuries to both tribal men and women, raising alarm over the use of force.

In his communication, Patra underscores potential violations of key legal safeguards, including the Forest Rights Act and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA).

He stresses that the principle of “free, prior, and informed consent” of Gram Sabhas appears to have been compromised, a critical requirement before undertaking mining activities in tribal areas.

The BJD MP has urged the NCST to initiate an immediate inquiry, deploy a high-level fact-finding team, and exercise its quasi-judicial powers to summon records and ensure accountability. He has also called for interim safeguards to prevent coercive police action and protect vulnerable tribal communities.

Additionally, Patra has sought broader intervention from Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, emphasizing the need for dialogue between the Centre and the Odisha government to de-escalate tensions and restore confidence among affected populations.

The petition highlights a growing flashpoint where issues of development, resource extraction, and indigenous rights intersect. As opposition to the mining project intensifies, the response of constitutional bodies like the NCST will be crucial in determining whether legal safeguards for tribal communities are upheld or undermined.