Clash between tribals and police in Sijimali: MP Sasmit Patra seeks NCST’s intervention
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra has sought the intervention of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) into the ongoing conflict and clash between tribals and police in Sijimali of Odisha.
New Delhi: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra has sought the intervention of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) into the ongoing conflict and clash between tribals and police in Sijimali of Odisha.
In a petition before NCST Chairperson Antar Singh Arya sought the invocation of Constitutional mandate of NCST under Article 338A urgent enquiry into alleged police excesses and violation of tribal rights in Sijimali.
“Reports indicate that, in the context of a proposed bauxite mining project and associated activities, including road construction, there have been confrontations between Police forces and local tribal communities, resulting in injuries to tribal men and women along with Police personnel,” Patra said.
“These developments raise grave constitutional and legal questions, including the non-compliance with safeguards under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, breach of mandatory provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), particularly regarding free, prior, and informed consent of Gram Sabhas and infringement of protections against atrocities under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in the event of targeted or excessive use of force against tribal communities,” the BJD MP alleged.
He respectfully urged the Commission to institute an immediate enquiry and depute a high-level fact-finding team to Sijimali to ascertain facts, particularly concerning alleged police brutality and procedural violations, exercise powers of a civil court under Article 338A(8) to summon records, examine officials, and ensure accountability, assess compliance with FRA and PESA, especially the validity and integrity of Gram Sabha processes and recommend interim safeguards, including restraint on coercive police action and protection of affected tribal communities.
Earlier yesterday, the BJD MP also had written a letter to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram seeking his immediate intervention in the ongoing conflict at Sijimali.
