Koraput: People of several villages under Laxmipur police limits in this district Saturday approached the district administration demanding resumption of mining activities in Kodingamali bauxite mine here.
The OMC-owned mine was closed a few months back due to disturbances created by a group of miscreants.
The villagers, in the absence of the Collector, submitted a memorandum to additional district magistrate (ADM) Sujata Mishra pressing for their demands.
Led by former zilla parishad member Parada Kulusika, residents of more than 20 villages including Malichema, Bankam, Odiapenta, Biriguda Colony, Kansariguda, Bhalujodi and Talkaipadar reached the collectorate and sought action against the people who created disturbances in the region by blocking roads.
They returned to their villages after ADM Mishra and Koraput sub-collector Krutibas Rout promised to resume mining activities in Kodingamali.
Earlier, the state government had granted lease to the OMC for mineral extraction. The OMC authorities, however, leased it out to a private company which started mining.
Meanwhile, some miscreants torched an earthmoving equipment of the company. Laxmipur police had arrested a local samiti member Balabhadra Majhi in this connection.
But some locals, biased by outsiders, protested the arrest and blocked the road to the mines which stopped mining operations. This had adversely affected the livelihood of hundreds of families who were directly and indirectly dependent on it.
Following the incident, police registered 10 cases against some people for fueling dissension among locals.
Strong action would be taken against the accused, Laxmipur IIC Jagannath Achari said.
Adequate security arrangements would be made in Kodingamali mining region and measures would be taken to ensure jobs for the locals, Collector K Sudarshan Chakraborty said.
Central Industrial Security Force jawans would be deployed in the area if the need arises, it was learnt from official sources.
