Tribal people take on Vedanta

Kumuti Majhi and Phulme Majhi, members of the Kutia Kondh indigenous group travelled to London to protest at the annual general meeting of mining giant Vedanta.  

They are concerned about the environmental impact of its proposed aluminium mining and processing plants in the  Niyamgiri Hills in Orissa, India.

"We will not lose our homes without a fight. Vedanta needs to know that they cannot walk all over people like this. We have travelled thousands of miles to tell Vedanta that they are not welcome in Orissa," said Phulme Majhi, a community leader from Jaganathpur village in Orissa, outside the AGM

Once inside Phulme and Kumuti Majhi were joined by other shareholder activists all challenging the misrepresentations by the company in its annual report. The tribal leaders talked about the intimidation, violence and harassment that local people face. 

They also gave evidence that the rehabilitation centres people have been moved into are unsuitable and they are unable to grow the food they need to survive.

Vedanta's Executive Chairman Anil Agarwal assured shareholders and activists that any intimidation or harassment would be urgently looked into. He also offered assurances that they would investigate conditions at the rehabilitation centres.

He also said that he believed the development the company was bringing to the area would improve the lives in the region, bring opportunity and jobs.

"The jobs being offered by Vedanta are not going to be able to compensate for the thousands of livelihoods, and the culture of generations which will be lost through the displacement of local tribes," said Kumuti Majhi, a farmer and member of the Kuntia Kondh indigenous group. 

ActionAid will continue to work in close alliance with the local people's movement in Orissa and intends to follow up on all the concerns raised with the company.

On the August 17 the Supreme Court of India is due to give a ruling on whether Vedanta can continue with its mining operation in Orissa.