Medha Patkar Barred from Rayagada Amid Bauxite Mining Protests

Bhubaneswar, Jun 5 (PTI) Social activist Medha Patkar was barred from entering Odisha's Rayagada district on Thursday morning, amid ongoing protests over bauxite mining. Her arrival at the Rayagada railway station early in the morning met with a prohibition order, effective for two months starting June 4. This restriction was also imposed on approximately two dozen activists, including the 'Narmada Bachao Andolan' leader.

The order, endorsed by district collector Parul Patawari, stated, "...there is a reasonable apprehension that their movement and presence in Rayagada district may lead to deterioration of law and order, disturb public peace and hinder the smooth conduct of administration affairs and development process in the district."

World Environment Day saw Patkar and other activists planning to attend an event organized by 'Maa Mati Mali Surakshya Manch', which spearheads protests against bauxite mining in Rayagada and Koraput districts.

While escorted to a vehicle that took her to the district's border, Patkar told reporters, "I am not a terrorist whose presence will create a problem for the people. I am a citizen of the country. We are not against development but demand for the progress of the nation in a sustainable manner." Narendra Mohanty, an associate of Patkar, mentioned that she is on a three-day visit to the state.

Following her denied entry to Rayagada, her itinerary includes a visit to Berhampur in Ganjam district, with a scheduled participation in a Bhubaneswar program on Saturday.

Officials reported that around 240 police personnel have been stationed in Kashipur, the heart of the protest in Rayagada.