Post News Network
Joda, March 10: With slump in mining activities having its impact on the socio-economic condition of the people in the resource rich Keonjhar district, scores of people led by activists of ‘Joda Anchalika Khani Prabhabita Kriyanustan Committee’ launched an indefinite
sit-in outside the office of the deputy director of mines, Tuesday. They demanded immediate steps by the authorities to reopen the mines.
Local civic body chairperson Manjula Patra presided over the protest meeting in which many councillors, several jobless workers, local people, sarpanches and members of many truck owners’ associations raised their voice against the state government.
Launching a tirade, the agitating people blamed the present condition of the mining sector on the government. They said unnecessary forest clearance to some mines and steps for closing the mines without checking their documents created such a horrible situation which led to thousands of workers losing their jobs.
Due to non-operation of mines in Joda area, the socio-economic condition of the people in the district has been adversely affected, they said, adding that people are passing through hard times.
The agitators made it clear that the dharna will continue till the government comes out with a decision to operate the mines. They also threatened to launch an economic blockade in the days to come unless the government does something needful in this direction.
Later, Satyananda Sahu, the deputy director of mines, Joda circle, turned up for the dharna site and pleaded his helplessness. Sahu said he is not empowered to take a decision in this regard. He had earlier sent a memorandum of the people in this connection to the state government, Sahu added.
