The last three-and-a-half months have been extremely tumultuous and decisive in shaping the anti-mining resistance of tribals and Dalits in the southern part of Odisha.
The High Court finally granted bail on 10 November to all those arrested on different days since 13 August 2023. The entire tribal community was eagerly waiting for this bail order, which was made available online a week later, late on the night of 17 November. However, the bail was not granted until three days later as the physical certified copy of the bail was received on 20 November, after which it was submitted to the Kashipur JMFC court on 21 November. The bail conditions imposed by JMFC, Kashipur were mainly two sureties and a deposit of a surety bond of Rs 20,000 for each person.
This is a harsh situation for marginalized people struggling to protect their land and livelihoods. Imposing such a condition by JMFC when no condition was given by the High Court is tantamount to a denial of justice.
Activists Released from Odisha Jails to Jubilant Celebrations, Two Still Await Bail
On Wednesday, November 22, people in jail stepped out. Seven activists were released from the Bissamcuttack sub-jail and sixteen from the Rayagada sub-jail. Hundreds of villagers welcomed him amid celebrations. There are still two activists in jail whose bail process is pending.
Birsa Munda Day: 2000 Rally Against Bauxite Mining in Eastern India
On 15th November, a huge gathering of more than 2000 people took place to celebrate Martyr Birsa Munda Day. The courage and spirit of revolutionary hero Birsa Munda is a source of inspiration for the struggles of tribal people across the country, especially in Eastern India. The mass meeting awakened their fearless courageous spirit to strengthen and carry forward the ongoing resistance against bauxite mining in Tijmali, Kutrumali, Khandualmali, Majingamali, Niyamgiri and Sasubahumali. Besides, a pamphlet linking the history of tribal resistance to the ongoing struggles to protect their land was also distributed among all the people present.
Key Leaders, Including Prafulla Samantara, Address Major Anti-Mining Rally
The meeting was addressed by renowned environmentalist Prafulla Samanthara, Samajwadi Dalit leader and advisor of Niyamgiri Surakhya Samiti, Lingaraj Azad, president of Khandualmalisthayi Surakhya Samiti, Kartik Majhi and many others. Prafulla Samantara came to the fore for the first time after he was allegedly kidnapped by local police personnel of Rayagada on August 29.
Women Leaders Spearhead Rally to Protect Sacred Lands and Forests
As always, there was a huge presence of women, who united and expressed their determination to save their sacred land and mountains through resounding slogans. About 10 women leaders, including Jeevan Dei Majhi from Majhigaon, Munni Dei Majhi from Kantamal and Sarpanch Neela Dei Majhi, addressed the gathering and reiterated their closeness to the forests and mountains and their dependence on them in a myriad of ways.
The meeting ended with reading out the demands made by the people of Kashipur and Thuamul Rampur to the Odisha government. The demands include:
– Cancellation of mining lease given to Vedanta
– Uninterrupted and full recognition of rights under the FRA in the region
– All false cases against politicians should be withdrawn
– Return of jewellery, other valuables and motorcycles taken by police in the days before the environmental public hearing
Majingamali Women Surveilled as Odisha Begins Bauxite Prospecting
Women in Majingamali have been under surveillance for three weeks. Barely a few days had passed since the Talampdar public meeting when the Odisha government started its prospecting work for bauxite mining in the hills adjacent to Tijmali on 4 November.
Women Block OMC Mining Access in Majingamali Area
At around 10 am, two platoons of police, two JCB vehicles along with employees of Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) reached Gadeljhola road turn near Kalagaon village (opposite Kalagaon School). This road goes towards Majingamali near Tijmaliand Godamali. As soon as news of this spread through the villages, women from four nearby villages – Kalagaon, Kadejhola, Rugapdar and Majingamali, about 150-170 of them – reached the spot and blocked the road, protesting against the OMC officials going to the mountain top. Gave.
They sat in front of police vehicles and JCBs on the road leading to the top of the mountain. Apparently, OMC officials had come there to conduct soil testing and possible survey for bauxite. After several hours, the two JCBs were forced to return with the OMC officials.
200 Women Stand Guard at Majingamali Entrance in Rotational Vigil
For the first two days, all 200 women camped at the site all day and night, guarding the entrance to Majingamali. Now arrangements have been made to seat them on village wise rotation basis as 10 policemen will be deployed there on the orders of SP, Raigarh. These women from different villages are protesting, remaining alert and vigilant at all times, protesting against any attempt by the OMC or the police to enter Majingamali.
Foothills of Majingamali
Hinda Majhi of Lacris village, located at the foothills of Majingamali, said, “After leasing out Tijamali to Vedanta, now the Odisha government is targeting our Majingamali. We will not give even an inch of any malice. Like all the Malis who are neighbours, we too are relatives of different Malis. We will die but will not let any gardener perish.”
(India CSR)
