Rights group alleges repression, corporate nexus in Odisha’s Tijmali region

By A Representative 

The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) in a press statement has alleged widespread state repression and corporate-driven resource exploitation in the Tijmali region spanning Rayagada district and Kalahandi district in Odisha.

The organisation claimed that Adivasi and Dalit communities in the area are facing increased surveillance, restrictions on assembly, and criminalisation amid resistance to proposed bauxite mining projects. CASR expressed solidarity with local residents, particularly women, who have reportedly opposed prohibitory orders to protest against mining activities affecting their land and resources.

According to the statement, recent administrative measures, including restrictions on public gatherings, are aimed at facilitating infrastructure development linked to mining operations by Vedanta Limited. CASR alleged that such projects are being advanced under the pretext of development, while primarily serving corporate interests.

The group also referred to a police operation conducted on March 11 in Talampadar village, where it claimed 21 Adivasis, including women and a pregnant individual, were detained following pre-dawn raids. CASR alleged that the operation involved use of force, property damage, and instances of physical abuse, calling it a violation of constitutional and legal safeguards.

The statement further raised concerns over what it described as increasing militarisation in the region, citing deployment of security personnel, use of drone surveillance, and the filing of cases against local leaders and activists. It characterised these developments as part of a broader pattern of suppressing dissent in mineral-rich areas.

CASR also alleged a close nexus between state authorities and Vedanta in advancing mining activities in ecologically sensitive and constitutionally protected Scheduled Areas. It warned that such projects could lead to displacement of local populations, environmental degradation, and disruption of traditional livelihoods and cultural practices.

The organisation has demanded withdrawal of prohibitory orders, release of those arrested, and an independent judicial inquiry into the alleged police action. It also called for a halt to mining-related activities in the region and urged adherence to constitutional provisions, including the requirement of Gram Sabha consent in Scheduled Areas.

CASR appealed to civil society groups and citizens to support the affected communities, stating that the situation in Tijmali reflects broader concerns over resource extraction and rights of indigenous populations in India.