Sainik Samata Dal demands to resume mining activities in Margherita

TINSUKIA: The Tinsukia District Committee of Sainik Samata Dal (SSD) based at Margherita Central Field, while expressing deep concern over the closure of coal mining at Borgolai, Ledo, Tirap, Tikok and Tipong under North Eastern Coal Fields, made an appeal for resumption of mining activities.

In a memorandum to the Prime Minister submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Tinsukia, the SSD stated that the coal mining had been generating sustainable employment for thousands of local people in the district since the inception of British era. The whole socio-economic scenario of the State had been capsulated by the mining activities around Margherita subdivision for more than a century. The lifting of closure was also necessary to check migration of thousands of job-seeking youths from Assam to other States of India.

The situation was further compounded after some mines and ancillary units like Ledo Brick Factory were contemplating to declare as sick industry, the memorandum stated, adding that the sudden closure of many public units, including coal mines, had left thousands of workers and stakeholders jobless.

"If the closure is not lifted, the economy of the area is sure to be hampered beyond recovery," the memorandum stated. SSD urged upon the Prime Minister to take necessary steps for resumption of mining activities and to save the affected people from further agony.

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