by Ashok Kumar
Loyabad: Tensions flared in Bansjoda Gaderia Basti as the “rayats” (peasants) disrupted operations at Sakarmas Joint Venture Outsourcing Company, leading to a complete halt in work under Loyabad police station at Dhanbad district on Tuesday.
Despite the imposition of Section 144 by the district administration, hundreds of men and women broke the prohibitory order and obstructed the company’s activities.
The root of the conflict lies in the peasants’ demand for employment in exchange for their land, a promise that Sakarmas Outsourcing Corporation failed to fulfill despite multiple negotiations. Frustrated by the lack of job opportunities, the rural peasants decided to take action and shut down the enterprise on June 18th.
On June 17th, the district administration imposed Section 144 in an attempt to prevent any unrest. However, on the morning of June 18th, hundreds of peasants gathered near the Sakarmas Outsourcing Company, defying the prohibitory order. Despite the heavy police presence, the determined peasants broke through Section 144, bringing the company’s operations to a standstill.
The situation became tense as police and officials, including Dhanbad’s Deputy Superintendent of Police Law and Order, Deepak Kumar, attempted to mediate between the protesters and company representatives.
After approximately two hours of halted operations, the bandh supporters were invited to the office of the General Manager of Area Five. The BCCL management assured them that discussions would resume within ten days, allowing a temporary pause in the protest.
The imposition of Section 144 and its subsequent violation by the peasants has raised several questions. Among the protesters were individuals with covered faces chanting slogans such as “Congress Zindabad” and “Dhullu Mahato Murdabad,” prompting concerns about the enforcement of the law and the need for legal action against those who breached the order.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar stated that the villagers of Bansjoda Basti obstructed the company’s path due to unmet demands. A delegation of five locals has been sent to the Area 5 General Manager’s office for further talks. Kumar emphasized that action would be taken against both parties for breaching Section 144.
Subhash Mahato, a villager, expressed that the BCCL management has been given ten days to address the peasants’ demands. He warned that failure to meet these demands within the stipulated time would result in another, more severe protest by the villagers.
The situation remains tense as both sides await further negotiations.
