Primitive tribes in Niyamgiri to continue fight against Vedanta Group

Odishatoday, 9th August, 2008
By Anurjay Dhal

The Dongria and Jharnia Kondh tribes of Kalahandi on Saturday announced to continue their protest against the London based Vedanta Group despite Supreme Court's green signal to the Company to go ahead with its project worth $800 million and mine bauxite from the Niyamgiri Hills. Disappointed at the verdict, Former Union Minister and Green Kalahandi chief Bhakta Charan Das termed the Apex Court's verdict as unfortunate. "I shocked over the Apex Court's verdict. The verdict has also disappointed innocent tribals of Niyamgiri," the former Union Minister told to our Correspondent. Das further said that the apprehensions and concerns of the primitive tribes should not overlook. Though the verdict came as a major set back for Das but sources said that the senior Congress leader may further intensify agitation in the region. It may be noted the anti-Vedanta protest had received a major boost few months back, when AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi visited Lanjigarh and declared that he is their Sepoy and fight for them in National Capital. Rahul had supported their movement and opined that Niyamgiri was highly sensitive both in terms of ecological and primitive tribal culture. "We will not allow the company to mine our land, our sacred place. Any compensation they offer is worthless to us," a tribal leader of Kalahandi said. He also said that the tribals depend on the fertile forest and rivers of Niyamgiri for their food, water and livelihoods in an otherwise drought prone area. Cutting trees is a religious taboo for the members of Kondh tribal community. Their lifestyle and beliefs have protected the local environment for centuries. Bratindi Jena, an activist from Action Aid, told London based Financial Times that they are going to continue to assert their rights within the democratic framework as Vedanta is all set to mine bauxite from Niyamgiri to meet the raw material requirement of the alumina refinery. He also said that they are going to explore legal options, and will continue mobilising people and civil society.