Latehar: Villagers facing displacement due to a proposed coal block blocked NH-22 near Chakla More in Chandwa are protesting on road. They alleged violations of Gram Sabha decisions and the filing of false FIRs against some residents. The protest was held near the Orissa Alloy Steel Private Limited (OASPL) company gate, with residents of Chitrapur, Barwatoli and Bhukutoli joinined the blockade.
Villagers Opposed Drone Survey
The protesters alleged that the company was conducting a drone survey in the area despite the Gram Sabha’s decision. They said the community would not accept any activity that affected their rights over land without following the prescribed process. Raised slogans in support of their land rights, villagers said they would not hand over their “Jal Jungle Zameen” (The Water, Forest and Land) to the company.
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A large number of men and women from the affected villages gathered on the highway as the dispute over the coal block intensified. The villagers also alleged that some residents had been booked in false cases by the company. They said the issue was not limited to the proposed mining project but also concerned the rights of local communities and the role of the Gram Sabha in decisions affecting their land.
Police Reach Spot as Traffic Is Hit
After receiving information about the blockade, Police Inspector Manoranjan Prasad Singh reached the spot with a police team and tried to hold talks with the protesters. The road remained blocked when the report was filed, leaving passengers and other travellers stranded at different points on NH-22. The prolonged blockade disrupted movement on the highway, while efforts were underway to resolve the standoff.
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