Cong to launch offensive

A day after Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said illegal mining has emerged as a “most serious menace” in states hit by Naxalism, the party has decided to launch an offensive to protect the rights of the tribals.

A day after Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said illegal mining has emerged as a “most serious menace” in states hit by Naxalism, the party has decided to launch an offensive to protect the rights of the tribals.

HT Image

Party general secretary Rahul Gandhi will visit Orissa on August 26 to reach out to the tribal population in Niyamgiri hills where Vedanta Resources plan to mine bauxite. He will inaugurate ‘Adivasi Adhikar Divas’ at Jagannathpur village in Kalahandi and interact with tribals.

The party has also demanded the environment ministry accept the N.C. Saxena report, which has opposed the mining project of Vedanta Resources in Niyamgiri Hills.