In the year 1992-93, Utkal Alumina entered Kashipur to start survey work.
We were told, probably apprehending opposition, that the survey was for
railway line. But we got to know the real motive behind the survey work
was to set up a gigantic alumina plant. Since then we have been opposing
it.
�You collector!, police!, minister! have not created this land nor this
forest, nor have the Govt. settled us here. We have been staying here for
generations. We would never leave our land and forest�. Our mothers and
sisters have replied this to govt. officials umpteen times. So have we
put this before others. This has been our main battle cry.
�We are the worm of the earth, lives off the earth�. The earth is
integral to our living system. We cannot live without that. It gives us
food, meet our other demands. Our land is blessed with perennial streams.
Perhaps because of the presence of bauxite. Using water of the streams we
grow vegetables. Forest is also a great help. Our land, our forest, our
streams are our present, so also our future.
But the Govt. is forcing us to accept Alumina project in the name of
development and paying no heed to our opposition. Rather 3 of our beloved
brothers were gunned down. But we are not afraid. We are determined not
to forget supreme sacrifices of our beloved brothers to protect our land
and not to allow the company. We are also opposed to all all the big
projects (Plant, Mining, Sanctuary big Dam, Reserve forest etc.) in the
tribal dominated area. So we are interested in developing relationship
with other struggles, organisations and individuals.
We are concerned about our own development. We want agricultural
development not industrial development. Small check dams using stream of
our area will be very helpful for us. That would not only lessen the
burden of shifting cultivation or but also more forests will grow. We
also want jungle based medical facilities and education system in harmony
with our tradition, cultural and above all the way of living. For some of
we are demanding before the Govt. and for some other we trying on our
own. In this situation, we see your help and support in the following
way:
a) Your active help as you are opposed to big projects; b)
Technical/monetary help for forest and educational system based on our
culture; c) Material/technical help for development of irrigation
facilities;
(You can send money through money order and cheque to Shri Bhagabat
Prasad Rath, Ryot Colony, Rayagada �2 Orissa)
We hope and believe that you will actively help.
BHAGABAN MAJHI) CONVENOR, PRAKRUTIK SAMPAD SURAKSHYA PARISHAD
For a FACT SHEET ABOUT THE STRUGGLE follow the link.
Link:
http://pub47.ezboard.com/fanarchykkafrm1.showMessage?topicID=390.topic
