Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal has strongly condemned the alleged administrative atrocities against tribal communities in the Sijimali area of Rayagada district. Describing the incident as inhuman and barbaric, the party has formally sought the intervention of the President of India to ensure justice for the affected tribal brothers and sisters.
At a press conference held at Sankha Bhavan today, Rayagada District President Jagannath Saraka, Koraput District President Jhinna Hikaka, and Media Coordinator Dr. Priyabrata Majhi alleged that the administrative actions reflect the anti-tribal policies of the state BJP government.
Jagannath Saraka stated that following reports of torture and oppression in Sijimali, a BJD delegation visited the site to interact with the victims. According to local residents, the conflict arose while they were peacefully protesting against a road being constructed by a mining company. Saraka emphasized that industrialization cannot happen by ignoring tribal interests or through the use of force. He demanded that gram sabhas be organized according to legal requirements to secure necessary approvals and protect tribal rights.
Adding to the concerns, Jhinna Hikaka remarked that the late-night crackdown by police and administrative officials was unacceptable in a civilized society. He noted that while locals were peacefully demonstrating against the violation of PESA and Forest Acts, the administration allegedly cut off electricity during the night to launch an attack on innocent villagers.
Hikaka pointed out the irony that such incidents are occurring while an individual from the tribal community serves as the Chief Minister of the state and another as the President of the nation. The BJD leadership reiterated that they are looking toward the President of India to intervene and provide justice to the tribal residents of Sijimali.