Congress Leaders Present Local Produce to Rahul Gandhi, Highlight Mining Displacement Issues in Jharkhand
In a significant development, former agriculture minister Yogendra Saw and Congress national secretary Amba Prasad met with the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting centered on raising critical concerns over alleged injustices faced by displaced families in Barkagaon, Hazaribagh district, due to extensive mining activities.
Agitation Against NTPC and Symbolic Gifts
Saw, who has been at the forefront of an agitation against the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in Barkagaon, highlighted how his protests have disrupted mining operations, leading to substantial financial losses estimated at several crores for both the government and the public sector company. During the meeting, the two leaders presented Gandhi with symbolic gifts: jaggery and flaxseed (tisi) produced in Barkagaon. They described these items as representations of the region's fertile soil, the relentless hard work of local farmers, and the ongoing struggle to protect jal, jangal, and jameen (water, forest, and land).
Discussion on Displacement and Rehabilitation Lapses
Saw and Prasad engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the displacement caused by major mining and power projects across Jharkhand. Key projects mentioned included those operated by NTPC, Adani Group, Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). The leaders alleged that affected families are confronting severe injustices, including inadequate compensation and significant lapses in rehabilitation measures. They emphasized that these issues are undermining the livelihoods and rights of countless individuals in the region.
Call for Strict Implementation of Land Acquisition Law
The leaders stressed the urgent need for strict implementation of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013. They asserted that provisions of this act are being blatantly ignored in numerous cases, exacerbating the plight of displaced communities. Quoting Rahul Gandhi, Saw and Prasad noted that the Congress leader expressed deep concern over the situation. Gandhi reiterated that the land acquisition law was enacted during the Congress-led government specifically to safeguard people's rights, and he assured his support in the fight for justice for displaced families.
Request for Public Hearing and Gandhi's Assurance
In addition to their discussions, Saw and Prasad urged Gandhi to consider holding a public hearing in the Barkagaon region. This, they argued, would allow for direct interaction with displaced families, providing them a platform to voice their grievances and seek redressal. In response, Gandhi assured them that he would personally look into the matter. He further committed to visiting Jharkhand if necessary, to assess the ground situation firsthand and better understand the challenges faced by the affected communities.
Continued Efforts for Justice
Both leaders from Jharkhand affirmed their unwavering commitment to continue their efforts until displaced families receive due compensation, proper rehabilitation, and the respect they deserve. They vowed to persist in their advocacy, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are heard at the highest levels of political discourse.
