Kummi Protest in Kesampatti Village
Recently, over 300 women in Kesampatti village performed kummi, a traditional Tamil folk dance, as part of a protest against the proposed tungsten mining in the region.
The women, mainly daily wage and farm workers, expressed their opposition to the extraction of tungsten by Hindustan Zinc Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta, through song and dance.
Environmental and Cultural Concerns
The proposed mining area, which spans 5,000 acres, is rich in tungsten and heritage sites.
The region is home to biodiversity heritage sites, including the Arittapatti hills, with ancient megalithic structures, rock-cut temples, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, and Jain beds, and significant wildlife like the Indian pangolin.
Arittapatti was declared Tamil Nadu’s first biodiversity heritage site in 2022, housing rare species of birds and animals.
Opposition from Local Communities
Protests began with more than 20 local panchayats passing resolutions against the mining project.
Residents argue that the project threatens their livelihoods (mainly farming and livestock) and sacred land.
Environmental activists and archaeologists support the protests, citing the historical and ecological significance of the region.
Political and Governmental Response
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin opposed the project, urging the Union Government to cancel the mining rights, but the Ministry of Mines defended the project, claiming consultation with Tamil Nadu.
The Geological Survey of India was tasked with redefining the mining boundaries to exclude the biodiversity site, but the residents feared this would not halt the project entirely.
Historical and Cultural Importance
These hills have historical records dating back to the Pandya kingdom.
The tungsten mining project threatens not only their livelihoods but also the sacredness of these hills, believed to be protected by local gods, such as the hill god revered by the community.
Geopolitical and Economic Context
The project is part of India's push to secure critical minerals like tungsten for green energy technologies and defense industries.
Activists warn that the project may lead to environmental degradation and health risks, citing international examples like tungsten mining in China.
The Union Government’s interest in securing critical minerals outweighs the concerns of local communities, highlighting the global importance of these minerals.
Protest Plans and Future Actions
The villagers plan a 25-kilometer protest march from Narasingampatti to Tallakulam in Madurai city on January 7, 2025.
The protests, although part of a long-standing tradition of local resistance, reflect growing frustration over the Union Government’s dismissal of local concerns and political maneuvering.
Cultural Narratives and Resistance
In the face of the mining threat, local people evoke traditional folktales to underscore their belief in the protection of their land and culture.
The story of the village protector, Vemban, symbolizes their hope that the sacred hills will prevent the destruction of their region.
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