Thousands march with black flags against Sivaganga graphite mine

A monolithic question of nationalist resentment swept done Sivaganga connected Tuesday arsenic thousands of residents from 5 neighbouring villages staged protestation against projected backstage graphite mining. Carrying achromatic flags and marching for 2 kilometres, the villagers made it wide that they would not surrender their lands for concern extraction.

The contented began successful November 2023, erstwhile the authorities reportedly awarded a declaration to a backstage entity to extract graphite minerals. To facilitate the project, authorities person moved to get 633.5 hectares of onshore spanning crossed Iluppakudi, Thamarakki, Kumarapatti, Arasanur, and Kilathari.

Residents pointed to a past of large-scale onshore acquisitions that person already altered the section landscape.

As 500 acres surrendered for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) basal and 775 acres taken for the Arasanur SIPCOT concern parkland person astir destroyed their livelihood, the further acquisition for specified a intent would inactive them successful a trouble.

“Our agriculture is our lifeblood,” said 1 section farmer. “With SIPCOT and the ITBP already occupying monolithic tracts, a backstage graphite works volition beryllium the decease knell for our waterbodies and our remaining fertile fields,” helium added.

The protestation began astatine the ‘Madurai Mukku’ junction, wherever a oversea of villagers—men and women alike—marched toward the District Collectorate. The two-kilometre procession was marked by achromatic flags and rhythmic chanting against some the Central and State governments.

Upon reaching the Collectorate entrance, the protesters staged a roadworthy roko, bringing postulation to a implicit standstill for implicit an hour. The disruption forced the constabulary to divert autobus routes.

The standoff eased lone aft a delegation met with District Revenue Officer (DRO) Selvasurabi to taxable a ceremonial memorandum. Following the assurance, the protesters called disconnected the roadworthy roko and dispersed from the area.