Indian tribal people decry lack of presidential response to land plea

Tribal communities in India’s eastern Odisha state, including many Christians, have expressed disappointment after President Droupadi Murmu did not respond to their appeal seeking protection of ancestral lands from industrial acquisition. Local tribal leaders said they felt particularly hurt as Murmu herself belongs to a tribal community from Odisha. Despite the lack of response, community representatives affirmed that their struggle to safeguard tribal land rights would continue until justice is achieved. The concerns centre on a proposed expansion of limestone quarry operations by Dalmia Cement Bharat Ltd. near Rajgangpur in Sundargarh district. Tribal groups claim the company plans to acquire additional land affecting hundreds of families, adding to previously sanctioned areas. Protests against the project included a major highway blockade in January that halted work at the site for several hours. Community organizations allege that the acquisition process has moved forward without the informed consent of the Gram Sabha, or village assembly, which is legally required under India’s constitutional safeguards for designated tribal regions. The area falls under the Fifth Schedule, which provides special protections for tribal lands and mandates consultation with local councils before external development projects proceed. Church representatives supporting the tribal cause say such projects risk displacing vulnerable communities who depend on traditional farming for their livelihood. Residents also fear losing cultural identity tied to ancestral lands. Tribal leaders maintain that despite existing legal protections, industrial expansion continues to threaten their land rights and long-term economic security.