VISAKHAPATNAM: Tribals of Araku and Anantagiri mandals have opposed the proposed bauxite mining in the agency area of the district and the manner in which employment opportunities are being provided to tribal youth only in the two mandals. They have also opposed recruitment of youth for the proposed tribal battalion. They expressed the apprehension that the manner in which employment was being provided would pit tribals against one another.

The tribals alleged that attacks on tribals had begun even before the mining had begun. Tribals had submitted a memorandum to District Collector A.K. Singhal on Sunday opposing bauxite mining and listing their demands.

They demanded implementation of the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, a halt to attacks on them and a share to the panchayat in the tourism revenue of the Borra caves.

They said the police had behaved in a highhanded manner towards tribals at Karakavalasa and Rallavalasa in Anatagiri mandals on August 21 though they enjoyed full rights to the land.

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