Vishakapatnam, May 12: As part of their protest against mining of China Clay in Dumbriguda mandal of the district, tribals have called for a bandh in the mandal on Thursday. Various unions have extended their support to the agitation of the tribals against mining activities in agency areas.
Yesterday, around 600 irate tribals attacked the vehicle of Araku MLA Siveri Soma and beat up mandal praja parishad (MMP) member of Dumbriguda Korra Dhane Rao at Sarai village in Dumbriguda mandal alleging that they were colluding with a private firm which has been given permission for mining. Ironically, the MLA and MMP member had gone there to extend support to the tribals. Police on Wednesday registered cases against 13 persons for the attack.
Tribal leaders said public hearing by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board on grant of lease to mine China Clay in an area of 15.61 hectares in Sarai village slated for Tuesday was postponed following strong opposition by the tribals.
Besides, they held that mining permission violates the Panchayat Extension in Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act which stipulates that gram sabhas should be held before taking any decision on mining. “The government should withdraw the benami leases given for mining bauxite, calcite and mica in the agency areas. Otherwise, we will launch agitation to safeguard our environment and livelihood,” said some tribal leaders. They said they would give a bandh call in 11 mandals of agency areas.
–Agencies