Joda: Upset over lack of job opportunities, locals agitated against Sri Metallik near Khandabandh in Jalhari panchayat in Keonjhar district Saturday. Mineral extraction and transport was paralysed during the agitation.
The locals charged the mining firm with providing no job opportunities to them. They also pointed out, “The mining authorities had promised to the people of Jalhati panchayat during a public hearing that they would create job opportunities for local youths, apart from making provision of drinking water, repair of roads and control of transport-induced pollution. The locals had given their consent in favour of the company on its promises.”
Now, the company has reneged on its promises, they said, adding the company has cleared a number of sal trees for mining though people used to earn from selling sal leaves and tweaks.
“Now, the sal forest has been denuded due to mining,” said Abhay Munda of Khandabandh.
Apprehending law and order problem, Bamebari police rushed to the spot. The mining authorities and the police tried to convince the agitating people and finally brought the situation under control.
“The mining authorities assured us that the matter will be resolved by May 17,” said agitators Babla Sitari, Mithun Nayak, Ajay Munda, Sukra Munda, Bijay Munda and Gopal Chhatar.
