India, Feb. 26 -- Organisations representing communities from the Tirap Tribal Belt have opposed a proposed open-cast coal mining project by North Eastern Coalfields (NEC) at Saliki village in Lekhapani under Margherita in Tinsukia district, alleging that the move threatens indigenous land rights and biodiversity.

At a press conference, representatives of several tribal bodies, along with residents of Saliki village, accused NEC, Margherita - a subsidiary of Coal India Limited of making unilateral preparations to begin mining operations without adequate consultation with affected villagers.

The leaders alleged that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the project was secured during a Tirap Colliery Gaon Panchayat meeting without the kno...