Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh Protests Illegal Coal Mining In Margherita

By Mithun Baruah

Members of the Purvottar Khadan Mazdoor Sangha, affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), a prominent trade union in the Northeastern Coalfields, staged a dharna on Friday in front of the office of the General Manager of Northeastern Coalfields (NEC), Coal India Ltd, Margherita, demanding urgent redressal of long-pending issues.

The protest was organised to press a ten-point charter of demands, with key issues including the reopening of the Tikak Extension OCP mines, Tikak West Colliery, and Tirap Colliery under NEC CIL Margherita, which have remained shut for several years.

The protest comes at a time when coal production at the Tikak mines has come to a standstill due to the lack of an appropriate dumping ground, severely affecting coal extraction and the livelihoods of local workers.

Protesters raised slogans and voiced frustration over continued inaction, creating a charged atmosphere outside the NEC office. The trade union accused the management of ignoring workers' concerns and failing to provide timely solutions.

Speaking at the protest, union leaders warned that if their demands were not met promptly, they would be compelled to launch a larger democratic movement in the coming days.

Shivlal Shrestha, President of the Purvottar Khadan Mazdoor Sangha (BMS) Margherita, said, “It is very unfortunate that after the shutdown of coal mining at Tikak Extension (OCP mines), Tikak West Colliery, and Tirap Colliery, coal production has remained suspended for many years. However, illegal coal mining and unscrupulous activities continue unabated right under the nose of the General Manager of NEC CIL Margherita, the Margherita Co-District Administration, and the Margherita police.”

He added, “Northeastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd, Margherita, is the lifeline of the entire Margherita region. Rickshaw pullers, hand cart operators, shopkeepers, traders, vehicle owners, businessmen, and educated youths are all directly or indirectly dependent on it. If NEC shuts down, the whole Margherita region, along with parts of Upper Assam, will be completely devastated.”

The agitation has drawn attention to the pressing challenges facing the coal sector in the region and the urgent need for coordinated action between stakeholders. A memorandum with a ten-point charter of demands was submitted to the General Manager of Northeastern Coalfields (NEC), Coal India Ltd, Margherita, said Shivlal Shrestha.

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