Odisha: Unrest in Koira region as locals protest closure of mines

‘Maoists may woo protestors’

By Our Staff Reporter

Koira/Bhubaneswar, Aug. 6: Unrest prevails in Koira mines area in Odisha’s Sundergarh district as nearly one thousand mines workers belonging to CITU and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh blockaded all communications to Koira region protesting the delay in opening of the closed mines and governmental ‘inaction’ to  improve the condition of National Highway 215.

The agitators said although the Odisha government, the Centre and Central Empowered Committee and Shah Commission promised that the closed mines would soon open, none of them had been made operational yet.

Of the 70 mines under the Koira zone, only 17 are operational now. Others have remained closed due to various reasons, including the alleged illegal extraction of ores by some mines owners.

Nearly one lakh people, including mines workers, who are directly or indirectly engaged in mining operations have been facing financial hardship because of the closure of the mines.

“We are always assured by authorities, including the Prime Minister, Government of Odisha, that the mines will open shortly to enable us to retain our livelihoods. But no serious step is being taken in this respect,” the agitators said.

Sources said local MLA Laxmana Munda extended his support to the agitators by participating in the protest programme.

The protestors said that despite repeated requests, the National Highway Authorities are not improving the condition of the NH 215 which has been completely damaged between Rajamunda and Koira.

The sources added that Left-Wing Extremism, taking advantage of the protest movement by the local people, who are mostly tribals, - might make efforts to woo them.

“The probability of the Left-Wing Extremism forces wooing the protesters cannot be ruled out. This may create a serious headache for the local administration,” said a senior government official who did not want to be quoted.

The official added that the Koira situation might result in identical development in Joda circles where only 22 of the 100 mines are operational. Thousands of people have lost their livelihood following closure of the mines.