Tribals stage massive protest against mining expansion in Odisha

Hundreds of tribal villagers staged a massive protest against a proposed mine expansion project at Lanjiberna in the Rajgangpur area of Sundargarh district on Sunday. 

Opposing land acquisition for the expansion of a mining project owned by a company, the protesters reportedly enforced a 12-hour blockade on the Sundargarh-Rajgangpur road. 

As per reports, residents of five panchayats adjoining Lanjiberna have been opposing the land acquisition for the mine expansion. Raising strong slogans, the locals asserted that they would rather die than give up even an inch of their land.

Hundreds of men and women blocked the national highway at Jhagarpur, leading to severe disruption of vehicular movement. Several vehicles were stranded on both sides of the road due to the prolonged blockade, causing inconvenience to the commuters.

Also Read: OSSC LTR Arts-Odia aspirants hold overnight protest by using mobile flashlights in Bhubaneswar

"We had already informed the authorities about the injustice being done to us. We have been protesting against the attempt to acquire our land with the support of the government and the police under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. As part of this protest, we have taken to the streets today. We have clearly informed the government that we will not give up our land. Despite this, the administration is continuing with the land acquisition process. We have already brought this matter to the notice of the Governor and the Collector. If the administration proceeds further, it will be solely responsible for the consequences," said Albert Kindo, a resident of Rajgangpur.

No comments were received from the concerned authorities.