Four mine workers were killed following blasting at a mining site in Ahraura, Mirzapur, on September 5, prompting CPI(ML) Liberation to demand a high-level investigation and strict action against those responsible. All four workers were from Sonbhadra district.
CPI(ML) Uttar Pradesh State Secretary Sudhakar Yadav said the deaths cannot be viewed as an isolated accident in an area where complaints of illegal mining and mining mafia activity have continued. He said workers in the mines face severe exploitation, while basic safety requirements are routinely ignored in the interests of mining profits.
The party has formed two teams to investigate the circumstances of the deaths. An 11-member team led by CPI(ML) State Standing Committee member and Mirzapur District Secretary Jeera Bharti will visit the Ahraura site to examine the causes of the blast, the mining operations, the blasting process and the safety arrangements provided to workers. Another team led by Sonbhadra District Secretary Suresh Kol will meet the families of the deceased workers.
CPI(ML) demanded an impartial high-level inquiry into the incident, including whether prescribed safety standards were followed and why those responsible for the mining operations failed to comply with the rules. It also demanded strict legal action against those responsible for negligence or illegal mining.
The party demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh for each bereaved family and permanent employment for one member of each family. CPI(ML) said workers’ lives cannot be sacrificed for illegal mining and demanded an end to the protection extended to mining interests by those in power.
