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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Gilbertz:,T,+44 (0)20 7687 8710,or,+44 (0)7504 543367,E,sg2@survivalinternational.org,W,https://www.,survivalinternational.org/,In the US:,Kayla Wieche (after 12 pm,EST,),T,(+1) 415 503 1254,E,kw@survivalinternational.org

Indian Tribe Stands Firm as Vedanta Mine Appeal Adjourned

One of the world's most controversial mines is back in the spotlight after hundreds protested against renewed efforts to mine India's Niyamgiri Hills.

LONDON

One of the world's most controversial mines is back in the spotlight after hundreds protested against renewed efforts to mine India's Niyamgiri Hills.

Dongria Kondh and Niyamgiri supporters held their own 'public hearing' in Orissa state, where they restated their resolve not to allow mining on their sacred mountain.

The meeting coincided with a Supreme Court appeal in Delhi, which sought to overturn a 2010 ruling preventing UK mining company Vedanta from building an open-pit bauxite mine in the Niyamgiri Hills.

However, the appeal was adjourned on Monday and India's Supreme Court has yet to issue a new date for the hearing.

Shortly after the announcement, Indian activist Prafulla Samentra from the National Alliance of People's Movements, spoke to Survival.

He said, 'I hope India's Supreme Court endorses the government's ruling not to mine in Niyamgiri. This is in the interests of protecting natural resources and tribal peoples.'

Miles away in the Niyamgiri Hills, two years after the Dongria Kondh historically defeated Vedanta, protesters continue to make their position clear.

Dongria elder Dodhi Sikaka said, 'Those who are fighting for their rights are beaten up and put behind bars. Now all we Dongrias are together in resisting this. We are fighting for our own people, for our ancestral land, for Niyamgiri.'

Survival International's Director Stephen Corry said today, 'By once again postponing this decision, the Supreme Court judges have left a sword of Damocles hanging over the Dongrias' heads. But on Sunday the Dongria held their own day of judgment - a public hearing at which they vowed to protect their sacred mountain. Whatever the court may decide far away in Delhi, in the Niyamgiri Hills the Dongrias' decision is clear.'

The movement for tribal peoples. Survival is the only organization working for tribal peoples' rights worldwide. We work with hundreds of tribal communities and organizations. We are funded almost entirely by concerned members of the public and some foundations. We will not take national government money, because governments are the main violators of tribal peoples' rights, nor will we take money from companies which might be abusing tribal peoples.