Congress demands probe into Odisha mining unrest, alleges Tribal rights violations

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday called for an independent inquiry into the unrest surrounding a proposed bauxite mining project in Odisha’s Rayagada and Kalahandi districts, alleging serious violations of tribal rights and environmental safeguards.

‎In a post on X, Ramesh urged the Union Tribal Affairs Minister to intervene, saying an impartial probe was needed into the developments at Sijimali and that the provisions of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) and the Forest Rights Act, 2006 must be implemented “in letter and spirit” through a transparent and participatory process.

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‎“Odisha is no stranger to public protests by tribal and other communities when mining projects that have major ecological impacts are sought to be bulldozed through bypassing all legal and Constitutional safeguards,” Ramesh said, describing the latest controversy as part of a “depressing saga.” He was referring to the Sijimali project, which includes bauxite mining and associated infrastructure.

‎The Congress leader alleged that key legislations meant to protect forest-dwelling and tribal communities had been undermined. “Rights of affected individuals, local communities, and institutions like Gram Sabhas guaranteed by these laws… have reportedly been deliberately diluted or even bypassed,” he said.

‎Ramesh further claimed that protests in the region in recent days were met with “disproportionate force” by law enforcement agencies. He alleged that Scheduled Tribe communities, particularly women, were targeted, calling it a violation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

‎Pointing to the political context, he noted that both the Chief Minister of Odisha and the Union Tribal Affairs Minister are from the state, and urged greater sensitivity in addressing the issue. “There should be a credible, transparent and participatory process to ensure justice for affected communities,” he said.

‎The remarks come amid recurring tensions in southern Odisha, where tribal communities have frequently resisted mining and industrial projects over concerns of displacement, ecological damage, and erosion of traditional rights.