Chhattisgarh locals, police clash over coal mine expansion; dozens injured
What's the story
A violent clash erupted between police and villagers protesting the expansion of South Eastern Coalfields Limited's (SECL) Amera coal mine in Chhattisgarh's Surguja division on Wednesday. The confrontation left at least 40 police personnel and several villagers injured. The unrest broke out near the Amera coal extension project at Lakhanpur when a large group of locals opposing the mine's expansion confronted a police team deployed for administrative activities related to the project.
Protest details
Villagers' protest against coal mine expansion
The villagers of Parshodi Kala and surrounding areas have been protesting for months against the mine expansion, claiming it is on their agricultural land. Surguja additional collector Sunil Naik said the land acquisition process for Amera mine was completed in 2016 and many villagers have received compensation. However, some are now obstructing coal production by refusing to accept compensation.
Protester
'Our ancestors lived here'
Leelavati, one of the protestors from Parsodi Kala, told reporters that she would not give up her land. "We love our land and do not want to give it away. SECL will get coal, but what will happen to us? Our ancestors lived and earned their livelihood from this land.... Should my son and grandson be reduced to begging? Our entire land is being taken for the mine," she said.
Clash escalation
Violence escalates, police respond with force
The protest turned violent as villagers allegedly pelted stones and used slingshots on the police. In retaliation, the police resorted to stone-pelting, lathi charge, and tear gas to disperse the crowd. The clash left several policemen injured, some critically. Inspector Ashwini Singh was referred to Ambikapur for advanced treatment due to serious injuries.
Ongoing unrest
Authorities attempt to restore calm amid ongoing tensions
By evening, the Amera coal mine extension area remained tense with additional police forces deployed and tear gas shells fired repeatedly. Parts of the area were effectively sealed off as senior police officers and the additional district magistrate camped on site to hold review meetings and resume dialogue with village representatives. Police teams patrolled the area to prevent further flare-ups while villagers remained agitated against any mining activity on disputed land.