Rayagada: Deeply concerned for the welfare and constitutional rights of indigenous communities, a high-level fact-finding committee of the Congress party today confronted the Rayagada District Administration over the escalating crisis in Sijimali.
Led by Koraput MP Shri Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, the delegation met with District Collector Shri Ashutosh Kulkarni to voice their strong opposition to the reported police crackdowns and the systematic marginalization of tribal voices.
The committee, which included Congress Legislature Party Leader Shri Ramachandra Kadam and MLAs Shri Kadraka Appala Swamy, Shri Satyajeet Gamang, and Shri Nilamadhab Hikaka, briefed the District Collector on the harrowing testimonies and data collected during their recent visit to the affected tribal heartlands.
The Congress leaders emphasized that the ongoing struggle in Sijimali is not merely a protest but a fundamental fight for the survival of tribal identity, centered on the protection of Jal, Jangal, and Jameen.
They presented a detailed account of the grievances shared by local residents, highlighting the atmosphere of fear created by police intervention.
The delegation demanded an immediate halt to the use of excessive force and the arbitrary arrest of innocent villagers, condemning any actions that bypass the legal protections afforded to tribal citizens under the Constitution.
Central to the discussion was the demand for transparency and the restoration of democratic processes in the region. The committee insisted on the strict enforcement of tribal land rights and the organization of authentic, law-abiding Gram Sabhas to ensure that no decisions regarding the land are made without the genuine consent of the community.
By urging the District Administration to take firm steps toward a peaceful and just resolution, the Congress leadership reaffirmed its commitment to standing in solidarity with the tribal people of Rayagada until their dignity and legal rights are fully secured.