"The Niyamgiri is our mother, our God. It has given us food, shelter... everything that we need. We would rather die than give anyone Niyamgiri," said Damodar Kadarka, a Dongaria Kondh, hailing from Serkapadi.

Serkapadi, a village accessible only by foot, is under Muniguda block of Rayagada district.

The Dongaria Kondh tribals claim that under no circumstances would they allow Vedanta to mine the Niyamgiri hills. Palo Jakesika, a tribal woman, is adamant.

"It's outrageous to ask if we can allow anyone to play with our God. Come here tomorrow and you will see what a fitting reply we give Vedanta," she said.

Rayagada district judge Sarat Chandra Mishra, who would be observer for the meeting, said, "I will observe the entire proceeding and send the minutes to the Supreme Court. The proceeding would also be videographed."

Meanwhile, the CPI(M-L) and Congress are trying hard to get the villagers say no to the Vedanta project. The CPI(M-L) has put up posters on the way to the village campaigning against the project.

CPI(M-L) leader Lingaraj Azad said the government is determined in preventing anti-Vedanta voices coming to the fore.

"Though there are 162 villages around Niyamgiri, the administration has chosen only 12 villages. Bigger villages have been overlooked," Azad said. Rayagada Youth Congress president Sibaram Ulaka alleged that the government has purposely scheduled the coincided the first meeting with the Bahuda yatra of deity Jagannath.

Azad, like many others is apprehensive if the tribals will voice their opinion tomorrow.

"They may become tongue-tied during the meeting. They are not used to seeing so many officials and CRPF personnel in their villages," he said.