In a powerful display of unity, around 300 residents from 11 villages in West Singhbhum’s Guwa region took to the streets on Friday against the proposed Rajaburu mine by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). The protesters, including Munda, Mankis, Dakua, and local villagers from Kasiya Pecha, Jojogutu, Rajabeda, Ghatkudi, Gangda, Baihatu, Tintalighat, Lembere, Sonapi, Baduiya, and Chhotanagra, marched to SAIL’s general office with traditional weapons in hand.
Led by social worker Mangta Surin from Kasiya Pecha, the rally began in Kailash Nagar and echoed with chants of ‘Our land, our rights’ and ‘Give 500 jobs or shut the mine.’ The demonstrators submitted a memorandum demanding at least 500 local youth be employed from affected villages. They highlighted the mine’s operation since 1919-20, extracting vast iron ore quantities, yet leaving surrounding areas plagued by unemployment, illiteracy, and poor healthcare.
The villagers insisted on 75% local hiring, 40% women’s participation, adherence to PESA laws, and no operations without gram sabha consent. They also called for transparency in recruitment, public lists, and probes into alleged brokerage. Warning of road and mine blockades if demands aren’t met within a week, the protest underscores long-standing grievances against corporate exploitation in tribal heartlands.
This agitation reflects broader tensions in Jharkhand’s mining belts, where communities seek fair shares from resource riches. SAIL’s response remains awaited as locals vow sustained action for justice.