Many villagers in Chandil block opposed the expansion plan of Narsingh Ispat Company during a public meeting at Khunti village on 28th August 2025. The protest was by Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) central vice-president and former Jharkhand Assembly candidate Tarun Mahato. Villagers said the company was not listening to their problems about wages, pollution, and basic needs.
Workers Also Alleged Exploitation
The discontent deepened on Sunday when nearly 200 workers gathered to accuse the company management of exploitation. They alleged that they were paid just Rs. 280 per day, far below the Government rate and denied statutory benefits like PF and ESI. Workers also claimed that they were not given weekly holidays in violation of Government directives. Many said that raising their demands often led to threats of dismissal.
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Women from displaced and affected families joined the protest in significant numbers. They submitted a separate application to Tarun Mahato, stated that despite working in the plant for 8 to 10 years, they had been removed and now had no livelihood options. JLKM’s Central Organisation General Secretary Phoolchand Mahato and district media in-charge Prakash Kumar Mahato led the meeting, where workers handed over written applications and demanded justice.
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JLKM Warned of Wider Agitation
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leaders alleged that the company was misusing Panla Dam water meant for irrigation and neglecting displaced families. Panchayat head Sukhram Manjhi warned that villagers would not allow their ancestral land to be taken away without justice. Phoolchand Mahato declared that if the company failed to address the demands, the party would launch an agitation “from the street to the Assembly.” The gathering saw the presence of Zila Parishad member Savita Mardi, local representatives, and hundreds of villagers.
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