Archive · 9 Aug 2025
Rayagada Bans Activists Amid Bauxite Mining Protests
The government in Rayagada, India, has told a few activists they can't go into certain areas where people are protesting bauxite mining.
These activists, including Medha Patkar, support the tribal communities who are against the mining.
The government is worried that the activists' presence might cause trouble, especially because of an upcoming day for Indigenous Peoples.
They're also concerned about groups that they believe are encouraging the protests and have mentioned an activist who was recently arrested.
This ban is similar to a previous incident where Patkar was prevented from entering the area.
Rayagada district administration barred seven activists, including Medha Patkar, from entering five panchayats.
The ban, effective from Friday evening to Monday, was implemented due to rising protests against bauxite mining.
The district collector cited concerns that the activists' presence could threaten peace, especially ahead of World Indigenous Peoples Day.
The order references the alleged role of groups like Maa Matti Mali Surakshya Mancha and the Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti in inciting tribal communities.
The administration also mentioned the recent arrest of anti-mining activist Narangi Dei Majhi and her criminal background.
- Who
- Medha Patkar and six others; the Rayagada district administration.
- What
- The Rayagada district administration banned seven activists from entering five panchayats.
- When
- From Friday evening to Monday.
- Where
- Five panchayats of the Sijhimali hill region in Rayagada, India.
- Why
- Due to rising protests against bauxite mining, and to prevent potential threats to peace.
Tribal Rights Activists
Government
Activist Presence
Tribal Rights Activists
Support tribal communities against bauxite mining.
Government
Government fears their presence will incite unrest.
- Affected Individuals
- Medha Patkar, six others
- Restricted Areas
- Five panchayats of the Sijhimali hill region
- Reason for Ban
- Potential threat to peace due to anti-mining protests
- Implementing Authority
- Rayagada district administration
- Start Date
- Friday evening
- End Date
- Monday