The Dongria Kondh hill tribe of eastern India is under threat. Their ancestral home and sacred mountain in the Niyamgiri Hills is the target of a huge bauxite mine by British company Vedanta Resources.
If the mine goes ahead, the Dongria's lives will be shattered by industrial activity in the landscape they worship and rely on for their livelihoods.
The mine -- now among the most controversial in the world -- is being pushed by a massive public relations drive from Vedanta. Meanwhile, police violence against peoples' movements in the area is increasing.
The Indian government needs to know that the world is watching. Sign this petition to let India's Prime Minister know you oppose mining in the Dongria Kondh's hills.
Dear Prime Minister Singh,
I am deeply concerned for the Dongria Kondh people of Niyamgiri in Orissa, India, whose land and future are threatened by the plans of Vedanta Resources and the Orissa government to mine their sacred mountain for bauxite.
The Dongria have not been consulted about the mine. They are adamantly opposed to it, and it is fast becoming the most controversial mining project in the world. Numerous shareholders have sold their Vedanta shares in protest at Vedanta's behavior, which has been condemned by the British government, the Norwegian government, the Church of England, Amnesty International and countless others.
I understand that Vedanta has failed to get all the necessary clearances within the prescribed five year period, and that under Indian law all clearances for the project are therefore void and your government should revoke them.
I urge you to protect the rights of this vulnerable tribe and stop this mine.
