TV
The protest over the 25-year contract between Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Adani Group for an iron mine in Taldih locality under Koida block in Sundargarh district entered ninth day today, bringing transportation of minerals to a grinding halt.
While thousands of men and women from three affected panchayats have been staging a mass protest in front of the mine gate of the mines for the last nine days over fulfillment of their 15-point charter of demands, it has yielded no results yet.
According to sources, the demonstrators are opposing a 25-year agreement with the Adani Group and allege that promises made during public hearings for the welfare of the affected locals were not met.
Their demands include providing employment to 1,133 people affected by the mining activities and ensuring healthcare, education and transportation facilities for the three affected panchayats—Tensa, Chordhara, and Sasyakala.
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“We have been protesting here for the last nine days. I request SAIL to fulfill our demands otherwise we will continue our protest,” said Sabita Munda, a protester.
Echoing the same, Gouri Kumbhara, another protester said, “We have been protesting here leaving our work and family behind. We will continue our protest until 1,133 people get appointment.”
“Braving cold, hundreds of men and women are staging protest against the 25-year contract to Adani Group. Only 143 local people are engaged in mines. After getting 25 years contract, the Adani Group is showing no interest for local employment,” alleged Prabhat Panda, another protester.
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As palpable tension continues in the region, three platoons of police forces have been deployed at the site to avoid any kind of untoward incident.
