Chaibasa, September 1, 2026: An indefinite protest at SAIL’s Rajaburu iron ore mine in Gua, West Singhbhum, was suspended on Tuesday after 22 days following talks between protesting villagers and officials of the district administration.
The villagers had been sitting in protest since August 10, demanding local employment, development of villages affected by mining operations and implementation of a written agreement reached earlier with the concerned contractor.
Officials assure protesters of further action
Jagannathpur Sub-Divisional Officer Arun Oraon and Noamundi Block Development Officer Pappu Rajak reached the protest site on Tuesday and held talks with the protesters.
The officials assured the villagers that steps would be taken to address their demands and that a meeting would be arranged with the Deputy Commissioner and SAIL management. Following the assurance, the protest was suspended after the officials offered juice to the protesters.
The villagers have given the administration until October 5 to take positive action. They said they would decide their next course of action if their demands are not addressed within the deadline.
Employment for youths of 18 affected villages among demands
Protest leader and Mukhiya Raju Sandil said the demands include implementation of the written agreement with a contractor named Maa Sarla, priority in employment for youths from the 18 villages affected by the mine, and employment for 75% local residents.
The villagers have also demanded greater local participation in rake loading and transportation, along with opportunities for local residents in other work associated with the mining area.
Red water pollution issue raised
The issue of villages affected by red-coloured water flowing from the mine was also raised during the discussions.
According to Raju Sandil, villagers told the officials that the red water has been affecting natural water sources and agricultural land for a long period.
The SDO assured the villagers that he would personally visit the affected villages and inspect the situation.
Other issues raised during the talks included a shortage of teachers in CSR villages, drinking water problems and other basic infrastructure concerns.
Villagers remained at protest site despite rain
The agitation continued for 22 days despite heavy rainfall. On Independence Day, protesters also hoisted the national flag at the protest site and raised patriotic slogans.
Those present when the protest was suspended included Manki Laguda Devgam, Mukhiya Raju Sandil, Munda Budhram Sidhu, Munda Kushu Devgam, Munda Jamdev Champia, Munda Janum Singh Cherowa, Munda Lebeya Devgam, Munda Rajesh Topno and Sumit Das, besides a large number of women and villagers from different villages.
