Pioneer News Service
Chatra
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has intensified its opposition to the Centre’s proposed Mineral Development and Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026, with party workers in Chatra announcing an indefinite halt to coal production and dispatch at the Amrapali Coal Project.
The move is part of the first phase of the JMM’s statewide agitation against the proposed legislation. The shutdown has affected mining and coal transportation activities in the project area.
JMM Chatra district president Nilesh Gyasen said the Centre was attempting to weaken Jharkhand’s rights over its mineral resources. He described the agitation as a fight for the state’s rights, identity and economic interests rather than merely opposition to a bill.
“Jharkhand’s mineral resources cannot be compromised. The Centre must understand that the people of Jharkhand have the primary right over the state’s land and mineral wealth,” he said.
The party’s district treasurer said the JMM would not remain a silent spectator to attempts to weaken Jharkhand. He said the party would continue its struggle over the rights to jal, jungle, zameen and mineral resources, and warned that the agitation could be expanded into a wider statewide movement if necessary.
