Jaisalmer: High drama unfolded in Barmer on Tuesday when Sheo MLA Ravindrasingh Bhati poured petrol over himself and attempted self-immolation during a protest march. The protest was part of an ongoing agitation over employment and workers' rights at the Giral Lignite Mines in the Sheo assembly constituency.
Police Intervention Sparks Incident
The incident occurred after police stopped Bhati and hundreds of protesters from proceeding towards the Collectorate during a march organized in support of local workers. Bhati, an independent MLA, had led a convoy of nearly 500 vehicles from Giral village towards the Collectorate after warning a day earlier that he would intensify the agitation if workers' demands were not accepted.
Background of the Agitation
The protest stems from long-standing grievances of workers at the Giral Lignite Mines, who have been demanding better employment opportunities and rights. Bhati, representing the Sheo constituency, has been vocal in supporting these demands and had threatened to escalate the protest if the government failed to address them.
Eyewitnesses reported that Bhati, after being stopped by police, brought out a bottle of petrol and poured it over himself in a dramatic gesture of defiance. Quick action by security personnel prevented him from igniting the fuel, and he was taken into custody for his own safety.
Political Reactions
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from political circles, with many leaders calling for a peaceful resolution to the workers' issues. The district administration has assured that the demands of the protesters will be looked into, while also warning against any further attempts at self-harm.
The agitation at the Giral Lignite Mines has been ongoing for several weeks, with workers demanding regularization of employment, better wages, and improved working conditions. Bhati's dramatic act has brought national attention to the issue, but also raised concerns about the lengths to which leaders may go to press their demands.
Authorities have urged calm and are in talks with representatives of the workers to find a solution. Meanwhile, Bhati has been released after questioning, and the protest has been temporarily suspended pending further discussions.
