TALCHER : Police arrested 13 agitating villagers of Malibandh, who had paralysed Hingula mine and locked the office of general manager of Hingula on Monday over their demands.
There was no coal production or dispatch from the mine, which produces 35,000 tonnes of coal per day. Villagers alleged that although their agricultural lands were acquired by Mahanadi Coalfield Limited years back they have not been provided jobs so far. They are also demanding resettlement.
As they served notice to coal authorities to go for strike Monday, the director (technical) of MCL JP Singh rushed to Talcher and called them for meeting to convey that their cases have been finalised and jobs will be given soon. But, the villagers boycotted the offer and went on strike paralysing the mine.
Police arrested 13 persons who were obstructing mining operations. Following the arrest, other villagers resorted to obstruction, police said.