4 Killed in Police Firing Over Land Acquisition in Jharkhand

The clashes occurred after Nirmala Devi, a Congress MLA, was arrested for leading a protest against NTPC.

At least four people are reported to be killed after Nirmala Devi, Congress MLA from Barkagaon, was arrested as she was leading a protest against a coal mining project for an NTPC power plant. (Photo Credit: Ankush Vengurlekar)

Four people were killed and more than six injured in clashes between police and protesters under Barkagaon police station in Hazaribagh district in Jharkhand, according to The Indian Express.

The incident reportedly occurred after Nirmala Devi, Congress MLA from Barkagaon, was arrested as she was leading a protest against a coal mining project for an NTPC power plant.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations) was abducted and assaulted by the mob and is reported to be seriously injured. Vehicles were also torched.

While the violence has come to a halt, the situation continues to remain tense and additional reinforcements have been sent in, reports The Indian Express.

Barkagaon falls under the Karnpura valley, which is the richest coal block in Asia. NTPC wanted about 17,000 acres in the area for coal mining. (Photo Credit: Ankush Vengurlekar)

According to police, Nirmala Devi had been leading the protest, which they called ‘Kafan Satyagarah’, despite the imposition of Section 144 in the area.

Jharkhand police spokesperson and IG (Operations), MS Bhatia told The Indian Express,

Police arrested Nirmala Devi this morning from Chirudih village, where she was protesting. On the way, at a place called Dandi Kala, a mob of around 100 people surrounded her vehicle and two escort vehicles and got Nirmala Devi forcibly released. Now, we have got reports that at least four people have died. Additional SP and CO are being brought to Ranchi for better treatment. At least six policemen and several protesters were also injured.

Graphic image warning. On 15 September 2016, the villagers in Chiradih started a ‘Kafan Satyagraha’ to oppose the taking over of land by the NTPC. (Photo Credit: Ankush Vengurlekar)

A 16-Day-Long ‘Kafan Satyagraha’

Barkagaon is 12 kilometres from Hazaribagh in Jharkhand and is considered to be the richest coal block in Asia. It has been reported that NTPC wants about 17,000 acres for coal mining, which has been opposed by the agricultural community in the area. The forest department has handed over 2,500 acres, out of which mining has already begun on 500 acres.

Graphic image warning. (Photo Credit: Ankush Vengurlekar)

On 15 September 2016, the villagers in Chiradih started a 'Kafan Satyagraha' to oppose the taking over of land by the NTPC. Earlier on 17 August 2016, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand Raghubar Das had told villagers in a meeting that they should give lands at Rs 20 lakh per acre and not oppose NTPC.

Furthermore, this is not the first time since the protesters have clashed with police over the issue. In May 2016, peaceful women protesters were reportedly beaten up by the cops, where the forces chased women into villages, broke open their doors and beat them up.

The people in Barkagaon have been opposing the take-over of lands for coal mining by NTPC for the past 12 years, and this seems to be the latest development in a long battle.

With inputs from Ankush Vengurlekar. (Source: The Indian Express)