Business Standard, 15th May, 2008
Tribals in Orissa's Niyamgiri hills in Kalahandi and Raygada districts have written to the Chief Justice of India and also met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressing their opposition to bauxite mining there.
"Our prayer is that before a final decision is taken by the Supreme Court on bauxite mining in and around Niyamgiri hills, we may be heard since we are the affected inhabitants," tribal leaders Jitu Jakesika and Dodi Pusika, representing Dongria, Jharnia and other tribes, told reporters.
Claiming that mindless industrialisation would destroy the tribals, he said inhabitants of the area and various groups have written separately to the CJI with a prayer to hear their views on the matter.
Since the Niyamgiri was regarded as god by tribals, he said inhabitants of the area were ready to lay down their lives to prevent bauxite mining from there.
He said representatives of tribals met the AICC General during his visit yesterday and sought his support. In a letter to Gandhi, leaders of Dongria Kondh tribal community said the support which he pledged to them during a visit to Ijirupa village in Niyamgiri in March 2008 was "a great strength to our campaign to save our mountain".
Describing Gandhi as a great hope in saving Niyamgiri and preventing their unique lifestyle from being destroyed, Jakesika said the tribals also asked him to take up the matter at the level of the union minister for environment and forest, who is overseeing the case.
He said Gandhi had recognised that the simple lifestyle of the tribals was important in protecting the rich and unique bio-diversity of the mountain.
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