Tribals and dalits led by social activist Vijay Vinit have threatened to start hunger strike from March 16, 2012, if illegal mining operating is not stopped in Sonbhadra district. They have also demanded that all the officials, mafia, politicians, journalists who have been named in the recent mining accident should also be arrested.
Twelve labourers had died and scores injured in the mining accident on February 27. Till now only three persons out of 16 named in the FIR have been arrested. No action has been taken on any of the erring officials of the district administration, mining department, forest department and journalists who are said to be hand in glove with illegal mining activity in this area since more than a decade.
Hundreds of tribals and dalits in the district had recently taken out a protest march demandingCBI enquiry into illegal mining. Many social organisations have also joined Vinit. They have informed the district administration about their decision to start hunger strike.