Activists seek Governor’s intervention for release of people arrested in Odisha’s bauxite region

Human rights activists have approached Odisha Governor Braj Mohan Ram, seeking his intervention in the arrests of people opposed to bauxite mining in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts.

“Since many Dalit and tribal people are opposing Sijimali bauxite mining in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, the police in the two districts are resorting to indiscriminate arrests,” Prafulla Samantara, who sent a petition to the Governor on Monday (October 19, 2026), said.

“When an industrial or mining project comes to an area, it is natural that the affected local people question its viability and express their apprehensions about the loss of livelihood and the socio-economic and ecological impact on their community life. People have the right to carry out peaceful protests. However, people are arrested on false and fabricated criminal charges as the administration is trying to stifle voices of protest,” he said.

According to Ranjana Padhi, two activists, Randall Sequeira and Laxman Naik, associated with the resistance to the Sijimali bauxite mining project proposed by the Vedanta Group, were picked up from Bhabanipatna in Kalahandi district on October 16. Ms. Padhi alleged that family members and lawyers were not allowed access to the arrested activists.

Mr. Samantara said it was unfortunate that tribal leader Lada Sikaka of Niyamgiri was facing several non-bailable charges in old cases in which his name did not figure in the charge-sheets.

“Although the Gram Sabhas rejected the mining proposal in the Niyamgiri hill range and there has been no agitation by tribals, they are being unnecessarily targeted,” he pointed out.

Mr. Samantara urged the Odisha Governor to review the police action and intervene to secure the release of the activists, who were victims of “police repression”.