Barkagaon: Hundreds of farmers and landowners gathered at Harli Bazaar Tand in Barkagaon block on Friday to take a strong pledge against giving up their land to coal companies. The grand event, titled “Aatmanirbhar Barkagaon Purvi Annadata Sankalp Maha Panchayat,” saw massive participation from villagers determined to protect their farmland from corporate acquisition.
The Maha Panchayat was jointly organized by former Mukhiyas Mahendra Mahato, Shrikant Nirala, and Triveni Mahato. The session began with Mithilesh Dangi of the Azaadi Bachao Andolan, who explained how several villages in eastern Barkagaon have been allocated to various coal companies — JSW in Motra, Adani in Gondalpura, NTPC in Badam, NMDC Rohne in Babupara, and Tokisud coal blocks.
Addressing the gathering, Barkagaon MLA Roshan Lal Choudhary said, “Displacement is not only Barkagaon’s problem but the entire state’s. I pushed the government to form a Displacement Commission, but forming it is not enough — policies must be implemented at the ground level.” He urged the villagers to remain united, adding, “No one can take even an inch of your land if you stand together.”
Former MLA Amba Prasad declared, “To give up land is to lose one’s identity. Beware of middlemen — companies are destroying villages in western Barkagaon and Keredari. Neither the central nor the state government cares about displacement. I will stand with you till my last breath.”
Former MLA Gautam Sagar Rana said both the central and state governments share responsibility for unchecked corporate expansion. “We must save our land with determination, not at the cost of our lives. If we lose our lives, saving the land loses its purpose,” he remarked.
Former MLA Loknath Mahato expressed concern for the deteriorating condition of western Barkagaon and emphasized the need to protect the eastern region. “If development means destroying Barkagaon, what kind of progress is that?” he questioned.MP representative Ajay Sahu conveyed MP Manish Jaiswal’s message of solidarity with the farmers, urging them to continue their united resistance. Other speakers, including Shivlal Mahato and JLKAM leader Vijay Sahu, asserted that coal-based industrialization cannot replace agriculture, and the movement would continue with the farmers’ strength and spirit.
Several speakers also cautioned villagers against political exploitation, urging them to hold all parties accountable for pro-farmer policies rather than empty promises.
During the event, Advocate Anirudh Kumar read out the Sankalp Patra (pledge document), reaffirming collective unity, while former Mukhiya Deepak Das energized the crowd with patriotic songs. Farmers carrying paddy sheaves, sugarcane, vegetables, traditional weapons, placards, and banners marched to the venue amid drumbeats and cheers.
A local cultural troupe performed a play illustrating the value of farming and the consequences of corporate-led projects. The organizers also honored activists such as Damodar Sahu, Vicky Gupta, Balo Gupta, and Tikeshwar Mahato, who had previously been jailed for their protests.
Activist Vikas Mahato, facing 23 cases for opposing coal projects, was recognized as a symbol of courage and persistence. The villagers concluded the Maha Panchayat with a collective oath — to never give their land to any company and to continue resisting corporate intrusion with unity, determination, and pride.
