The protest against the JPL coal mine in Raigarh district has escalated into violence. Several people were injured in clashes between villagers and police, and police vehicles and a coal handling plant were set on fire. The administration has increased security in the area and announced strict action.
Chhattisgarh: Residents of 14 affected villages in Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh, have been staging a sit-in protest since December 12th regarding the JPL coal mine. They have cut down trees and placed them on the Libara Road, blocking all vehicular traffic. Villagers state that their protest will continue until the administration revokes the decision regarding the mine.
Several meetings have been held between the district administration and the villagers. Gharghoda SDM Durga Prasad stated that protesters and public representatives are engaging in discussions with the administration. The cancellation of the public hearing held at Dhaurbhatha market is also part of these ongoing talks.
Police Attacked and Injured
On Saturday, police attempted to clear the protest site. During this attempt, protesters attacked the police. Women assaulted the Station House Officer of Tamnar Police Station, Kamla Pusham, with kicks and punches, causing her to collapse. SDOP Anil Vishwakarma and several other police personnel were also injured.
The injured are receiving treatment at the local Hospital and Raigarh Referral Hospital. The attack was so violent that police vehicles and an ambulance were set ablaze. The administration immediately deployed additional police forces to the scene and initiated efforts for peaceful dialogue.
The Congress party has formed a 9-member investigation committee to look into the matter. Former Minister Dhanendra Sahu will chair the committee. The committee will visit the affected area and submit a report.
Violent Protest by Crowd
According to the district administration, approximately 300 villagers had gathered at the protest site on Saturday, which later increased to around 1000. From 9:00 AM onwards, villagers were sitting on the road, blocking traffic.
The administration, led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, police, and Additional Superintendent of Police, appealed to the people to remain calm and return to the tents set up at the protest site. The situation remained calm for a while, but deteriorated suddenly at 2:30 PM.
The crowd broke through the police barricades and attacked with stones and sticks. Several police personnel and female police officers were injured. The administration repeatedly attempted to communicate and control the situation, but the crowd repeatedly turned violent.
Attack on Police Vehicles
The enraged crowd set fire to police vehicles and ambulances. They then proceeded towards Jindal’s coal handling plant, setting fire to conveyor belts, tractors, and other equipment, and also vandalized the plant office.
Raigarh Collector Mayank Chaturvedi, MLA Vidyavati Sidar, and the Superintendent of Police arrived at the scene to control the situation. Despite the presence of the officials, the crowd continued to pelt stones. The administration stated that police forces are deployed in the area and the situation is under control. They warned that strict action will be taken against those who damage public property or attack the police.
