Tribals demonstrate against Niyamgiri mining

The Pioneer, July 27, 2009

Bhawanipatna: Hundreds of tribals of Lanjigarh block under the banner of Green Kalahandi demonstrated on Saturday against the proposed mining in Niyamgiri hill by Vedanta Alumina Ltd, blocking the main road at the bottom of the hill. The tribals said they would not leave their land to the company as it was their source of livelihood. Tribals living in Niyamgiri hills also expressed their concern over the proposed mining of the industry in the meeting. Activists of Green Kalahandi alleged that 10 tribals have been flown to London by the company where the annual general meeting is going to be held on Monday to express their satisfaction in favour of establishment of the industry. When contacted, Vedanta officials denied that any tribals have been flown to London. The meeting was presided over by Green Kalahandi’s Rajendra Bharti. Among others, president of Niyamgiri Surakhya Samiti Kumti Majhi, Lingaraj Azad and Niranjan Bidrohi were present.