Bhubaneswar: Condemning the alleged barbaric actions of the Rayagada district administration against tribal communities in the Sijimali area, the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today sought the intervention of President Droupadi Murmu in the matter.

Addressing a press conference at Shankha Bhavan, BJD’s state headquarters in Bhubaneswar, senior leaders of the party accused the State Government of pursuing anti-tribal policies, which they said were reflected in the incident.

Rayagada district BJD president Jagannath Saraka said a party delegation visited the affected area after learning about the alleged atrocities and interacted with locals to understand the situation. He added according to the villagers, they had been protesting against a road being constructed by a mining company when the administration allegedly used force against them.

“The atrocities committed against tribals are highly condemnable. Industrial development cannot happen at the cost of ignoring the interests and rights of local tribals,” Saraka said. He stressed due process must be followed, including holding Gram Sabha meetings and obtaining necessary approvals to safeguard tribal interests.

Koraput district president Jhinna Hikka alleged the manner in which police and administrative officials acted against the tribals was unacceptable in any civilised society. He said the locals were staging peaceful protests, alleging violations of the PESA Act and forest laws amid efforts to expedite mining activities in the region.

He further alleged when villagers were asleep during the night, electricity supply was cut and a crackdown was carried out by the administration. The incident reflects the state government’s anti-tribal stance.

Highlighting that both the Chief Minister of the state and the President of India belong to tribal communities, Hikka urged the President to intervene and ensure justice for the affected.