‘We worship forests’: Tribals in Odisha protest IDCO land acquisition

In a show of defiance, tribal groups staged a roadside rally on Thursday along the national highway in Malkangiri district, around 10 kilometres away from the district headquarters. Armed with traditional weapons, the protesters demanded their rightful land and livelihoods, vowing not to yield an inch of their territory.

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According to sources, the armed demonstration comes in response to the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) identifying 42 acres of land near the Malkangiri border for a proposed industrial project.

Tribal organisations in the district have strongly opposed the IDCO plan, arguing that any company establishment in the area would threaten their traditional livelihoods and disrupt community life.

The protesters emphasised that they would not back down, signalling a firm stance against land acquisition and industrial expansion without consent from the tribal community. Local authorities have been monitoring the situation closely to prevent escalation.

“The state government has been allowing different companies to set up their establishments in the Malkangiri district. The government knows well that tribal people are dependent on forests. The tribals (Adivasis) have been residing in forest areas, and they have no other occupation than depending on the forests for their livelihoods,” a local leader said to OTV.

“We worship the forests as our deity; hence, forest lands are precious to us,” the tribal leader added.

“They (IDCO officials) have assured us to hold another meeting (Gram Sabha) after 6-7 days. We strongly oppose any patch of land being handed over to any company. We will intensify our protest if they do so to appease the companies,” an agitator expressed.

Notably, around 15 associations (local tribal outfits) under the banner of Malkangiri Adivasi Mahasangh took part in the protest.