TBN, Bhubaneswar:24/11.24
Samyukt Kishan Morcha (SKM) Supports Odisha Farmers’ Struggle against Corporate Mining by Adani, Vedanta and L&T.
SKM accused the BJP led State Government of Odisha for supporting the big Corporate houses of Adani, Vedanta and Larsen & Toubro to confiscate the mineral rich mountains-Bauxite – namely Sijimali , Kutrumali and Manjenmali and Khandualmali in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha thus put tens of thousands of farmers – majority of them belong to Adivasis – under the threat of forceful eviction.
SKM has supported the ongoing mass struggles of around 50,000 farming families to save their fertile agricultural land, forests, wildlife and more than 250 perennial springs, rivers,used for farming and irrigation from being trespassed and seized by big corporate houses for mining. These farmers have been growing paddy, ragi, linseed, sesame, castor, Chironji (Cudpahnut) and cashew in these fertile lands for many generations.
Kashipur and Niyamgiri Ranges are situated geographically adjacent to each other and in the referendum on mining in Niyamgiri as ordered by the Supreme Court, not even a single vote was cast in favour of mining. Thus, Mining has stopped in Niyamgiri and the farmers have succeeded in protecting their livelihood through consistent struggles.
Farmers of Sijimali have accused the newly elected Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi – who himself is an Adivasi- of shifting sides with the corporate companies thus violating the FRA and PESA laws enacted by Parliament to protect the rights of Adivasis and local people.
SKM demands NDA-3 Government and BJP led State Government to desist from privatisation of mines and minerals, otherwise the struggle will be intensified till the demands are achieved.
A delegation of SKM comprising of P Krishnaprasad, Aflatoon, Rajendra Choudhury and Lingaraj Azad participated in the Kisan Panchayat organised by Maa, Mati, Mali Suraksha Manch on 9th November 2024 at Sijimaali and extended solidarity and supported the farmers’ struggle.
