Odisha mining project protest: Congress seeks independent probe; alleges PESA, FRA violations
The Congress party has called for an independent investigation into protests by tribal communities against a bauxite mining project in Odisha's Sijimali. They allege violations of the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas Act and the Forest Rights Act, claiming that local rights have been undermined. The situation escalated recently with clashes between police and villagers, resulting in injuries on both sides.
- ▪The Congress demands an independent inquiry into the unrest surrounding the bauxite mining project in Odisha.
- ▪Allegations have been made regarding violations of the PESA and FRA laws, which protect the rights of local communities.
- ▪Recent clashes between police and villagers resulted in injuries to around 60 police personnel and over 10 villagers.
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The Congress on Tuesday (April 28, 2026) slammed the Centre over the protests by tribals against a bauxite mining project in Odisha's Sijimali and demanded an independent inquiry into the unrest.It also asked the government to ensure that Panchayat [Extension to Scheduled Areas] Act (PESA), 1996 and the Forest Rights Act, 2006, are implemented both in letter and spirit. Fight against bauxite mining in Odisha: the view from the hillCongress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said 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, bypassing all legal and constitutional safeguards."The latest in this depressing saga involves a bauxite mining project with associated…
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