India: Show down over the right to feed oneself in Kashipur, Orissa

The Chief Minister of Orissa plans to inaugurate the Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL) plant in January 2005. Many victims of Kashipur and the areas affected by the proposed mining project have been protesting against UAIL for more than 12 years now. Since December 1, 2004 the police have unleashed brutal attack and repression of all those protesting the mining project. The UAIL project will destroy the tribals’ livelihoods and the livelihoods of generations to come leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition. International action is urgently needed to halt the state repression of the peaceful protest against mining in Kashipur and to safeguard the right of the tribals to the land and forests, which is their major source of livelihood. Please write polite letters to the Chief Minister of Orissa with a copy to the Prime Minister and President of India, requesting them to put an immediate stop to the intimidation and repression of the tribals and respect and protect their right to feed themselves.