Maoists Appeal To Oppose Mining At Public Hearing In Odisha’s Rayagada

Bhubaneswar: The Maoists have called upon the people to boycott the public hearing on bauxite mining in Odisha’s Rayagada district.

In a hand-written letter released to the media on Sunday, the secretary of Bansadhara-Ghumusur-Nagabali division of the Maoists, Rita said the proposed mining of bauxite at Sijimali under Kasipur block of the district was against the interest of the people.

“The police have arrested 27 activists for raising their voice against the proposed mine in the last three months. It shows that the police, local administration and the companies were hands in glove for suppressing the public opinion against the mine,” said Rita.

Alleging that the administration was supporting the mining companies for vested interests, the Maoist leader said their activities were not only anti-people but also anti-national.

She appealed to the people of Sijimali and neighbouring villages to strongly oppose the proposed mine at the public hearing to be held on Monday.

It may be noted that thousands of people along with pro-mine activists took out a rally in Kasipur in the district to express their support for mining of the bauxite ore. Vedanta has proposed mining of 9 MTPA bauxite in 1549.02 hectare in Sijimali.