Keonjhar: Just three days after some locals protested near Keonjhar police station, seeking jobs in the OMC-owned Gandhamardan mine, another group of people demanded that the district administration should ensure peaceful situation in the mining area.
Alleging that some vested interests have been trying to disrupt peace, social harmony and mineral transportation in Gandhamardan area by resorting to agitation, the locals warned of an agitation if the administration takes no step against such ‘disturbing elements.’
The locals submitted a memorandum to Sub-Collector Somnath Pradhan Friday, pointing out that since the mining work started in 2016, the people affected by the project have been provided with jobs in the mine.
They asserted that over 5,000 families in three panchayats were given indirect work through Gandhamardan Loading Agency and Transport Cooperative Society.
The agency has been doing a host of welfare activities like blood donation, plantation, blanket distribution, financial support to meritorious students, and distribution of sports kits to local clubs. However, people from Bansapal and other areas have been trying to incite the locals against the OMC and disturb peace in the area.
The locals also submitted memorandum to the Collector, the SDPO and the manager of the OMC’s Gandhamardan mine.
Four days ago, over 3,000 people from 25 villages including Suakati, Naupada, Mahadeijoda, Amuni, Salarapentha, Danla, Baradapal, Talakainsari and Upara Kainsari staged protests in front of the police station for hours. The mining-hit people had come closer to a confrontation with the police who had detained 131 people.
The agitators demand that the OMC should withdraw machines from all kinds of work in the mine to facilitate job creation. They alleged that their demand for jobs in the mines has allegedly been ignored by the company. Police held talks with the agitators and tried to convince them, but the latter refused to relent.
Meanwhile, ADM Somnath Pradhan chaired a meeting to sort out the issue Saturday. SDPO Sriharsha Mishra, IIC Smrutirekha Pradhan, executive magistrate Regan Nayak, manager of Gandhmardan mine Prakash Kumar Sahu and other officials were present. It was decided that steps will be taken to provide jobs to the families which have been demanding work.
PNN