NHRC urged to block mineral law
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About 50 people from five provinces yesterday called on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to help block the proposed mineral law.
“We believe this bill will violate people’s rights,” Wanpen Promrangsan said as she met with NHRC member Niran Pitakwatchara.
She led villagers from Phichit, Phitsanulok, Saraburi, Lop Buri and Phetchabun provinces in lodging the petition following the Cabinet’s recent approval of the draft mineral bill, which authorises governors and tambon administrative organisations – not a minister – to approve mining concessions.
Wanpen’s group is worried that it would make it easier for companies to lobby for a mining licence at the expense of the community.
Wanpen said she had detected some suspicious activities lately.
A resident of Phichit said he decided to travel to Bangkok to air the locals’ grievances because recently he had lost his farmland to an “invading” firm.
Niran said the NHRC would summon authorities to provide information regarding the issue.
