Barmer talks fail as giral mines sit in enters day 16

Jaisalmer: Talks between the Barmer district administration and a delegation protesting over the Giral Lignite Mines issue continued for nearly five hours Tuesday at the District Collectorate, but ended without any concrete resolution. The agitation continued Wednesday for the 16th consecutive day, with Shiv MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati remaining at the dharna site in Giral village along with workers and villagers.The discussions followed a dramatic incident Tuesday in which Bhati allegedly attempted self-immolation by pouring petrol on himself at the Collectorate premises. Following the incident, talks were initiated under Bhati's leadership with District Collector Chinmayi Gopal, SP Chunaram Jat and other senior officials.Although consensus was reportedly reached on some issues during the discussions, several key demands remained unresolved and the meeting concluded inconclusively.Sources said the administration adopted a conciliatory approach and urged protesters to withdraw the dharna, assuring them of positive action on their demands. However, Bhati and the delegation insisted on written assurances.Bhati said the concerned contractor should also be included in the negotiations and written consent should be provided on the demands raised by workers and villagers. He said earlier rounds of talks had already been held at the sub-divisional officer level and with RSMML officials, but no final resolution could be reached.The Barmer administration has now constituted a committee under the chairmanship of the Shiv sub-divisional officer to hold further discussions with the delegation and villagers. A meeting has been scheduled for Thursday.District collector Chinmayi Gopal said, "We will look into the legitimate demands. Whatever can be done at our level will be done positively. Some demands pertain to RSMML and those will be forwarded to the competent authority. RSMML officials and the SDO are in contact with the villagers."Addressing a press conference later, Bhati alleged that villagers had been sitting on dharna for several days demanding employment opportunities at Giral Mines, but the administration remained indifferent."The administration is in deep slumber," he said, adding that despite lengthy discussions, agreement could not be reached on several important demands. "Until a clear and satisfactory decision is taken on the legitimate demands of workers and local residents, the agitation will continue," he said.Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot also criticised the BJP govt over the issue, saying Bhati had been protesting with workers for several days but neither the govt nor the administration paid attention.Gehlot said the alleged indifference forced Bhati to march to the Collectorate and attempt self-immolation, and urged the govt to immediately address the demands and find a positive solution.Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra, however, said public representatives should avoid "extreme emotionalism" and follow constitutional methods of protest.In a post on X, Dotasra wrote, "What could be more shameful for Rajasthan's democracy than a public representative having to douse himself with petrol to make his and the public's voice heard?"