JVM urges Governor's intervention into row over Samiti pact

As the JVM president Babulal Marandi's demonstration in support of Samiti's demands entered the 13th day the Samiti alleged that the pact was "not implemented in its totality".

"A delegation of JVM has sought appointment with the Governor tomorrow. We will urge his intervention and request him to order an investigation into implementation of the agreement between the Panem and the Samiti," JVM leader Pradip Yadav told reporters at Pachuwara, about 70 km from here.

Marandi, who along with Congress leader Stephen Marandi began the demonstration on November 16, said, "I will continue the demonstration in support of the Samiti till an assurance by the state on the implementation of the agreement. The government should also be a party to the agreement."

Under the agreement, Marandi claimed, "Constructions of schools, hospital and industrial training institutes should have been completed by 2007."

The spokesman of Panem Coal Mines Limited, Sanjay Kumar Das, said the company had lost Rs 39 crore following the agitation.

Pakur District Mining Officer Bibhuti Kumar said the mining department had incurred a loss of Rs 3.51 crore following the demonstration and blockade of road transport.

An office bearer of the dumpers association, Shyam Yadav said the owners of the dumpers affected in the road blockade, incurred a loss of Rs 4.68 crore in the last 13 days.

A railway officer, requesting not to be quoted said, "The railways have incurred a loss of Rs 40 crore following the blockade of coal-rakes at the Lotamati Railway Siding in the last eight days."

A sales tax officer said his department lost Rs 91 lakh following the dharna.