Jharsuguda: Two contract workers engaged at the Lajkura open cast mine operated by the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) near Brajrajnagar were hospitalised after a fire mishap today.
The injured have been identified as Sushant Mahananda (38) and Shankar Tanti (30) of Lajkura village.
Sources said the two workers accidentally came in contact with fire at around 10.30 AM. Both were first rushed to the Central Hospital in Brajarajnagar and later shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack as their condition deteriorated. While Sushant has sustained 50 per cent burn injuries, Shankar received 10 per cent injuries.
In another development, villagers of Jarada displaced by the MCL's Kaniha open cast coal mine took to streets and staged demonstration in front of the mines today demanding resettlement and rehabilitation.
The villagers also threatened that they would intensify their protest in coming days if their demands are not fulfilled at the earliest. Meanwhile, transport of coal from the mine has been disrupted due to the protests.
"All land of the villagers was acquired for the project in 1995. After the acquisition, while the mine is functioning smoothly, the MCL authorities have not taken any step to resettle and rehabilitate the displaced families till date. Today's protest is a reflection of their anguish," said a villager.