By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: Continuing his attack on Vedanta Group and Odisha Government for downplaying legitmate rights of Tribal people in Rayagada district , BJD MP Dr Sasmit Patra has filed a Petition for Enquiry to National Commission for STs on Sijimali.
BJD MP Dr Patra filed petition with the Chairperson, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, for instituting an urgent enquiry into the Police Excesses and violation of Tribal Rights in Sijimali Odisha. The petition invokes NCST’s quasi-judicial powers, which could lead to a formal probe, summons, or recommendations to the Centre/state.
MP Dr. Sasmit Patra urged Antar Singh Arya, Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in New Delhi to intervene.
Dr Patra also requested the Commission for Invocation of the constitutional mandate of NCST under Article 338A of the Indian Constitution — Urgent Enquiry into Alleged Police Excesses and Violation of Tribal Rights in Sijimali, Odisha.
Dr Patra highlights “serious concerns” over recent confrontations in the Sijimali region (Rayagada district, Odisha linked to a proposed bauxite mining project and associated road construction of Vedanta Group. These have allegedly led to injuries to tribal men, women, and police personnel.
Legal Issues Raised: Non-compliance with safeguards under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA). Breach of mandatory provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), especially regarding free, prior, and informed consent of Gram Sabhas. Potential infringement of protections under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, due to alleged targeted or excessive use of force against tribal communities.
Urgent Requests to NCST:Institute an immediate enquiry and depute a high-level fact-finding team to Sijimali. Exercise powers of a civil court under Article 338A(8) to summon records, examine officials, and ensure accountability (particularly on alleged police brutality and procedural violations). Assess compliance with FRA and PESA, including the validity of Gram Sabha processes. Recommend interim safeguards, such as restraint on coercive police action and protection of affected tribal communities.
Constitutional Angle: Article 338A empowers the NCST to investigate safeguards for Scheduled Tribes, inquire into complaints, and advise on socio-economic development and rights protection. It reflects ongoing debates in mineral-rich tribal regions of Odisha about balancing development/mining with “jal, jangal, jameen” (water, forest, land) rights under FRA and PESA.
Land and forest rights: Tensions escalated in early April 2026 over the construction of a ~3 km approach road (from areas like Purlang/Sagabari to the mine site). Protests led to a violent clash on or around 7 April 2026, with reports of 50–70 people injured (including ~40 police personnel and villagers).
Villagers and activists allege pre-dawn police raids, lathi-charges, tear gas, possible blank firing, door-breaking, and intimidation to clear protests and facilitate road work. They claim Gram Sabha consents were not properly obtained or were fabricated.Police/administration versions state they faced attacks with stones, axes, and sharp weapons while trying to arrest someone or clear blockades; they deny excessive force. The road itself reportedly lacks full Stage-2 forest clearance, adding to legal questions.
MP Dr Patra also wrote to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, seeking urgent central intervention. He raised similar points: protection from police excesses, ensuring genuine Gram Sabha consent, and adherence to PESA/FRA. He urged engagement with the Odisha government to restore confidence among tribals.
This fits a pattern of BJD (and other opposition voices) criticizing the ruling BJP-led Odisha government on tribal issues in mining areas, framing it as prioritizing corporate interests (Vedanta) over Adivasi rights. Similar past conflicts in Odisha (e.g., Niyamgiri hills against Vedanta) involved Gram Sabha rejections and legal battles emphasizing tribal consent.
Sijimali in Kashipur block, Rayagada district, with parts in Kalahandi holds an estimated 311 million tonnes of high-grade bauxite reserves across roughly 1,500 hectares. The block was auctioned and allotted to Vedanta Limited in 2023 as the preferred bidder. The company has received Stage-1 forest clearance (conditional) and aims to develop the mine, potentially supplying its Lanjigarh alumina refinery.
Tribal communities (primarily Adivasis) have opposed the project for years, citing threats to:Livelihoods dependent on forests and water sources. Ecological impact (depletion of perennial water sources in the Eastern Ghats).
