Massive Protests Erupt in Bhubaneswar Against Vedanta's Mining Lease
Protest Against Vedanta's Mining Activities
Bhubaneswar: A significant protest unfolded in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, as a coalition of political, democratic, and rights organizations united to challenge the mining lease awarded to Vedanta in the ecologically delicate Sijimali area of Odisha.
Protesters accused the state authorities of stifling local dissent and facilitating corporate exploitation that jeopardizes tribal communities and the environment.
The demonstrators called for the cancellation of Vedanta's mining lease, arguing that it was granted without the necessary consent from the Gram Sabha, thus breaching constitutional and legal protections for Adivasi (tribal) rights.
They denounced the ongoing repression by the state, which allegedly includes filing false charges against activists and employing force to suppress democratic opposition.
The protest attracted participation from various groups, such as Basti Suraksha Manch, Chashi Mulia Samiti, Jan Adhikar Manch (Odisha), Akhil Bharatiya Janmanch, Democratic Rights Protection Organisation, Campaign Against False Cases, Lokshakti Abhiyan, Jeevan-Jibika O Paribesh Suraksha Abhiyan (Puri), and the National Youth Organisation.
Speakers and activists highlighted the threats faced by Adivasis, Dalits, and impoverished rural communities in the Sijimali region, whose land, water, forests, and livelihoods are endangered by mining activities.
Support was also expressed for the grassroots movement led by Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch in the affected areas of Kashipur (Koraput district) and Thuamul-Rampur (Kalahandi district).
Leaders from various leftist parties, including CPI (ML)-Liberation, CPI (ML), CPI (ML)-Red Star, Forward Bloc, and CPI, voiced their support, criticizing the state's preference for corporate interests over constitutional rights and environmental justice.
Protesters pledged to escalate their efforts unless the government revokes the lease and halts all repressive measures.