Tension flares up at JSW mines in Odisha as over 5,000 CITU members launch protest

Hundreds of incensed workers, led by Bonai Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Laxman Munda, gathered at the Kurmitar-Khandadhar iron ore mines under the Koida division in Sundargarh district, on Monday. Tension flared up following a protest organised by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) members.

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The CITU voiced a 12-point charter of demands addressing workers' concerns.

According to sources, the irate demonstrators clashed with local police, who were deployed to manage the law and order situation. Tensions escalated as some protesters entered the mine, resulting in scuffles with the law enforcement agency.

More than 5,000 men and women had congregated in front of the JSW mines. They forcibly barged into the JSW site office which led to a scuffle with the on-duty police personnel and triggered tensions. The protest was underway by the time this report was filed.

The protesters are demanding the nullification of existing agreements and enhancement of the local infrastructure. They also have threatened to halt operations at the JSW mines and all railway sidings if their demands are not addressed promptly.

In response, the local administration has stationed three platoons of police force at the location to maintain order and ensure safety.

“Around 12,000 workers are now under the threat of losing their jobs. Locals are not being given employment in the mining companies after JSW and Adani groups came here. The transportation of iron ore to six sidings has been stopped,” the Bonai MLA said.

“The companies have plans to transport iron ores through pipes and conveyor belts. The State government is not thinking of local people. It has only leased them the mines to loot. Hungry people can do anything and everything,” the Bonai MLA warned.

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“Development of this region is not being done. The agitation will be intensified in the future and the Government will be held responsible if anything goes wrong,” the MLA added.

No comments were received from the local administration and the company officials.