Chhattisgarh Mine Protests Turn Violent; Probe Ordered, Public Hearing Cancellation Process Initiated

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Raigarh, Chhattisgarh - In the wake of violent protests that left several policemen injured and vehicles torched in Raigarh district, the local administration has initiated the cancellation process of the public hearing for an upcoming coal mining project. The move comes after Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced an inquiry into the violence and promised strict action against those found guilty. The protests, which began two weeks ago, were sparked by concerns over the proposed Gare Pelma Sector-1 coal block, a massive open-cast-cum-underground coal mine that spans 3,020 hectares in Tamnar tehsil. Villagers from 14 affected villages have been staging a sit-in protest, demanding the cancellation of the public hearing and the project itself. On Saturday, the protests turned violent, with protesters allegedly hurling stones at police and setting fire to vehicles, including a police bus, a jeep, and an ambulance. The office premises of Jindal Power, the company behind the project, were also vandalized. In a bid to diffuse the situation, the district administration held a meeting with representatives of the affected villages on Sunday evening, during which constructive discussions were held to maintain peace and harmony in the area. The administration assured the villagers that it respects their demands and is taking forward the process of cancelling the public hearing based on their suggestions. The incident has led to a probe into the violence, with police lodging multiple FIRs against those involved. The Chief Minister has promised action against those found guilty, and the administration has initiated the cancellation process of the public hearing, which was held on December 8, 2025, for the proposed Gare Pelma Sector-1 coal block.