The Song of the Mali

Abstract

This chapter covers the struggle of the adivasi and dalit people of Kashipur block in Rayagada district against bauxite mining. The Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL) was set up by the Aditya Birla group in the face of people’s resistance to protect their rights over land and livelihood. The killing of three adivasis in Maikanch in 2000 led to the intensification of struggle as well as state repression. Many losses were borne by the people including deep rifts within the community. The use of bribes, lies and deception that were used as forms of coercion by the company and administration caused a lot of fragmentation of kinship ties. Police repression and use of company agents to create terror and intimidation was routine. The chapter has interviews based on both recall and reflection of many people involved in the resistance movement.

But there are things which you have said to me which I do not like. They are not sweet like sugar, but bitter like gourds. You said that you wanted to put us upon a reservation, to build us houses and make us medicine lodges. I do not want them. I was born upon the prairie where the wind blew free and there was nothing to break the light of the sun. I was born where there were no enclosures and where everything drew a free breath. I want to die there and not within walls.

Parra-Wa-Sammen (Ten Bears) of the Yamparika Comanches

—Dee Brown, 1970