Villagers Protest Removal of Displaced Workers at Turamdih

Jamshedpur: Tension is brewing at the Turamdih Uranium Project of Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) after villagers from 18 surrounding villages held a protest meeting on Monday evening against the alleged removal of 10 displaced and affected contract workers.

The meeting, held in Turamdih village, was led by Baghray Mardi along with social activists Soumay Tudu, Chhote Soren, Jhanu Diggi, and Mangal Soren. Villagers expressed strong resentment over what they termed the continued neglect and exploitation of displaced families by the UCIL management.

Leading the protest, JMM leader Baghray Mardi issued a two-day ultimatum to the company, demanding the reinstatement of the contract workers who were removed. He warned that if their demands are not met, villagers will launch an agitation and block the mine gate.

Villager Jhanu Diggi alleged that UCIL, through intermediaries, is employing outsiders for unskilled jobs while removing displaced and affected local workers, despite the project being built on their land. Another resident, Jhanu Devi, claimed that several villages across three panchayats-including Kerua, Dugripudihasa, Bayangbil, Turamdih, Nandup, and Talsa-had sacrificed land for the project but were being denied fair employment opportunities.

The protesters also accused company-linked agents of illegally collecting money from displaced workers in exchange for job placements. With tensions rising, villagers have warned of a larger movement if their concerns remain unaddressed.