12 hurt in clash over NTPC’s new coal mining project in Hazaribag

Hazaribag: At least 12 people were injured after a section of villagers clashed with officials of NTPC and the administration in Hazaribag district on Tuesday, following disagreement over a new coal mining project, police said.

NTPC is to start coal mining in Badam block under Barkagaon police station, for which a general meeting with the villagers, NTPC officials, and the district administration was arranged on Tuesday to discuss the land acquisition, compensation, and the issue of displacement.

Sources said that the majority of the villagers were neither in favour of this project nor willing to part with their land and properties.During the discussion, some heated exchanges took place, following which the villagers resorted to stone pelting. The police force, which was posted there to maintain law and order, immediately stopped the meeting and shielded the NTPC officials and team, some of whom received injuries.

SDPO Barkagaon Pawan Kumar said that mild lathicharge had to be done to control the situation. The incident forced the administration to cancel the meeting.Hazaribag SP Anjani Anjan too rushed to Badam to take stock of the situation. He, however, couldn't be contacted for comments.