Violence Erupts During Coal Mining Protest in Chhattisgarh

A protest against a coal mining project in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district escalated into violence, injuring several police officers and damaging property. Residents from 14 villages have been opposing the project, claiming that a recent public hearing violated regulations. As tensions rose, police attempted to clear the area, leading to clashes with protesters. The situation highlights ongoing disputes over land use and the impact of mining on local communities. Read more to understand the full scope of the conflict and its implications.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 28, 2025, 13:13 IST

Protest Against Coal Mining Turns Violent

On Saturday, a protest against a coal mining initiative in the Tamnar block of Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh, escalated into violence, resulting in injuries to at least eight police officers.

According to reports, tensions flared at the Jindal Coal Handling Plant chowk in Libra village, where locals had been conducting a sit-in and road blockade since December 12.

Residents from 14 villages impacted by the Gare Pelma Sector-I coal block have been voicing their opposition to a public hearing that took place on December 8 at Dhaurabhatha, claiming it did not adhere to established guidelines.

As police attempted to clear the road, the situation intensified, leading to a surge in the crowd and subsequent violence, with stones being hurled at law enforcement.

"The crowd grew from 300 to 1,000 and became unruly," an unnamed police officer stated. "They set fire to a police bus, a jeep, and an ambulance, while several officers were assaulted with sticks and stones."

Among the injured were Sub Divisional Police Officer Anil Vishwakarma, Tamnar police station head Kamla Pusam, and a constable.

Protesters later breached the premises of the Jindal Coal Handling Plant, causing damage to a conveyor belt, two tractors, and other vehicles, along with vandalizing office property.

Raigarh District Collector Mayank Chaturvedi noted that the villagers had been peacefully protesting for 15 days, with the administration providing necessary support.

Chaturvedi mentioned that around 2 to 2:30 PM, provocateurs incited the protesters, leading to the clashes. He added that police were compelled to retreat for their safety as they lacked orders to respond forcefully.

After two hours, police made additional attempts to communicate with the protesters, but the crowd reacted aggressively, resuming stone-throwing and pursuing the officers.

Protesters claimed that the situation deteriorated following a police lathi charge, which included actions against women blocking the road to prevent mining vehicles from passing.

One protester recounted, "An elderly woman's hand was hurt when an officer pulled her up. The crowd then grew and became uncontrollable."

In a related incident on December 4, over 30 police officers were injured in a similar protest against coal mining in Parsodi Kala village, where residents clashed with security personnel protecting a mining team.

This protest was against South Eastern Coalfields Limited's opencast mine project, which has a capacity of 1.0 million tonnes per annum.

During that incident, police resorted to lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd, halting mining operations for the day.

South Eastern Coalfields Limited, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, stated that the land for the Amera mine was acquired under the 1957 Coal Bearing (Acquisition and Development) Act, with compensation and rehabilitation provided. However, they alleged that some landowners, influenced by troublemakers, were resisting possession and resorting to violence.

Residents, on the other hand, argue that they are fighting to protect their agricultural land and livelihoods. One protester expressed, "Our village soil is precious to us, and we refuse to give it up. SECL wants to excavate it for minerals. Where will we go?"