Mrituanjay Kumar
Ranchi
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has announced a phased agitation against the Central Government’s Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Bill. A public awareness campaign will run until August 31, followed by sit-ins and demonstrations at block headquarters on September 7.
JMM prepared a roadmap and strategy for this movement, ranging from public awareness campaigns and demonstrations to a potential economic blockade. Speaking on the matter, JMM General Secretary Vinod Pandey stated that the party is prepared for a widespread agitation on this issue.
Pandey further informed that the public awareness program launched by JMM against the MMDR Bill will continue until August 31. He said that during this period, party leaders and workers will reach out to the public to raise awareness about the bill’s provisions and its potential impact on Jharkhand. Pandey mentioned that the next phase of the agitation would commence once the awareness campaign concludes, he added.
The party General Secretary also said that a one-day sit-in and demonstration will be held at all block headquarters across the State on September 7 in the first phase of the agitation. “JMM workers will register their protest against the Central Government and demand the withdrawal of the MMDR Bill. The movement will gradually expand in scope and, if necessary, be transformed into a State-wide agitation,” he added.
“The second phase of the agitation will involve sit-ins and demonstrations at all district headquarters. Additionally, plans are in place to register protests through events such as a State Shutdown and torchlight processions. Strategies are being formulated to ensure the participation of a large number of JMM workers in these events,” said Pandey.
In the third phase of the agitation, JMM workers will stage a protest in front of the Raj Bhavan. The party aims to convey Jharkhand’s objections regarding the MMDR Bill to the Central Government through the Governor.
JMM has warned that if the Central Government takes no action to withdraw the bill even after these phases, the agitation will be intensified. The party says an economic blockade could be adopted as a final measure. This would entail halting mining activities within Jharkhand and preventing the transport of minerals out of the State.
JMM Chief and Chief Minister Hemant Soren recently devised a strategy with the party’s MPs, MLAs, and workers to oppose the MMDR Bill. Consequently, a further escalation of confrontation in Jharkhand’s politics is expected in the coming days. The JMM clearly said that the agitation against the bill will be carried forward in a phased manner and, if necessary, could even extend to an economic blockade.
