BERHAMPUR: A court order directing attachment of the property of prominent Niyamgiri movement leader Lada Sikaka has triggered strong reactions from tribal organisations, social activists and members of civil society, reviving debate over tribal rights and environmental movements in the Niyamgiri region.
The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Lanjigarh, has declared Sikaka an absconder in connection with a case and directed the IIC of Kalyansinghpur police station in Rayagada district to initiate proceedings for attachment of his property.
A resident of Lakhapadar village in Kalyansinghpur block, Sikaka belongs to the Dongria Kondh community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). He is a leading figure of the Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti (NSS), which spearheaded the movement against bauxite mining in the Niyamgiri hills and has long campaigned for the protection of tribal rights, forests and natural resources.
The court order pertains to a 2017 criminal case in which Sikaka has been charged under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Section 7 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act.
Expressing concern over the order, 68 eminent citizens including environmentalist Prafulla Samantara, writer Arundhati Roy, advocate Prashant Bhushan, former NCPCR chairperson Biswapriya Kanungo and academician Manoranjan Mohanty have appealed to the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court to intervene.
In their representation, they argued that most of the offences cited in the case are bailable and carry a maximum punishment of three years. They questioned the declaration of Sikaka as an absconder, stating that he has continued to participate in public meetings, interact with government officials and advocate for tribal welfare. They also claimed that Sikaka was unaware of the case and had never received any summon or warrant.
The All India Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha (ASM) also condemned the order. National convener Tripati Gamang described the Niyamgiri movement as a historic struggle for tribal rights over land, forests and water, and said the action could erode tribal communities’ faith in the justice system.
Several activists have indicated that they may move the Orissa High Court seeking legal relief against the order.