TNI Bureau: The Odisha Pradesh Youth Congress announced that it will continue its fight for the rights, dignity and livelihood of tribal and Dalit communities affected by proposed mining projects in the state.
Addressing a press conference at the Odisha Pradesh Congress office, state Youth Congress leaders alleged that tribal communities living in the Scheduled Areas are facing threats to their land, livelihood and identity due to mining activities in the Sijimali region. They claimed that the proposed extraction of around 311 million tonnes of bauxite from the Sijimali hills would adversely affect thousands of tribal residents who have been living in the area for generations.
Youth Congress leaders alleged that mandatory Gram Sabha procedures required under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution and the Forest Rights Act, 2006, were not properly followed for mining clearances. They further claimed that signatures of minors and deceased persons were used during the Gram Sabha process related to the project.
State Youth Congress General Secretary Sudip Samal alleged that the state government was ignoring the voices of tribal communities and violating provisions related to forest rights and PESA regulations. He also alleged that residents protesting against a proposed three-kilometre road construction in the area had faced violence during the agitation.
The Youth Congress also raised concerns over the proposed Kutrumali bauxite mining project in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts and the Patangi bauxite mining project in Koraput district being undertaken by NALCO. The organisation alleged that proper Gram Sabha procedures and forest rights provisions were not being followed in these projects as well.
State Youth Congress leaders said the organisation would stand with tribal and Dalit communities in all circumstances and continue its movement in support of their rights. As part of the campaign, the Youth Congress announced a padayatra and door-to-door outreach programme in Sijimali from May 22 to May 28.
The organisation said the programme would be attended by All India Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib, AICC Youth Congress in-charge Manish Sharma and several other national Youth Congress leaders.
The press conference was attended by Youth Congress leaders Sudip Samal, Gopan Martha and Javed Akhtar.
