Controversial mining company Vedanta faces more protests at its annual shareholder meeting this week from campaigners who liken it to the evil multinational in the film Avatar.
Campaign group Survival International has hired make-up artists to paint several protesters so they look like the film's blue-faced Na'vi rebels, who will spearhead a rally outside the London AGM on Thursday.
Vedanta, majority-owned by Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal, has been criticised by Amnesty International for abusing the rights of local people in the eastern Indian state of Orissa.
Several organisations, including the Church of England, have disinvested from the company over the treatment of the Dongria Kondh tribe.
A damning Amnesty report criticised Vedanta's record in Orissa, where it runs an alumina refinery at the foot of the Niyamgiri hills, alleging river pollution and damage to crops.
The hills are home to around 8000 Dongria Kondh people who allege their health has been affected by Vedanta's activities.
Survival International is focusing on plans by Vedanta to expand the refinery and build a mine at the top of the hills, which are viewed as sacred by the tribe.
A spokesman said: "Like the Na'vi, the Kondh are also at risk. The [proposed] mine will destroy the forests on which the Kondh depend and wreck the lives of thousands."
- OBSERVER
Miner in 'real-life Avatar' saga faces protests
Protesters will be painted to look like Avatar's blue-faced Na'vi rebels. Photo / Supplied
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