Displaced UCIL families block gate, demand jobs for deceased dependents

Jamshedpur: Anger simmering for years over unfulfilled promises spilled onto the streets on Monday as 52 displaced residents of Chatikocha village—affected by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL)—launched a forceful protest demanding employment for the dependents of deceased displaced persons.

Led by local leader Pitho Majhi, the agitating group blocked the rear gate of UCIL, a crucial access point used for the transportation of uranium ore from Jadugoda, Turamdih, and Baghjata mines. The sudden blockade brought mining operations to a standstill, creating panic within the company administration.

The situation grew tense as no ore movement was possible, prompting UCIL Deputy Manager M.K. Sahu to rush to the site and initiate dialogue with the protestors. A formal round of discussions was later held between the displaced villagers and UCIL Deputy General Manager (Personnel) Rakesh Kumar, following which the blockade was lifted after a temporary understanding.

Speaking to the media, displaced leader Pitho Majhi expressed deep frustration over prolonged delays. “The company has sent the employment file to Technical Director Manoj Kumar, and we’ve been told that appointments will be processed once the legal formalities are complete. But this isn’t the first assurance — we’ve waited in vain for eight years,” he said.

The protest was joined by over 20 residents, including Ram Sai Tudu, Raju Singh, Srikant Oraon, and Arjun Murmu, all of whom have been vocal about the community’s long-standing demands for fair rehabilitation and compensation. The core demand is the immediate initiation of the legal appointment process for 13 dependents of those displaced who have passed away.