Ranchi, Sep 19: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) central general secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey on Saturday said the party would intensify its agitation against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, which the party says affects Jharkhand’s mineral revenue and the state’s rights.Pandey said the first phase of the party’s protest had been held at block headquarters across the state and claimed that the issue would now be taken to district headquarters before a larger state-level agitation.
The JMM leader alleged that the amended mining law could affect the constitutional and financial powers of mineral-rich states. He said Jharkhand would continue to raise issues concerning its mineral resources, revenue and long-pending financial claims.
The Jharkhand government has been claiming around Rs 1.36 lakh crore in dues linked to coal royalty, land-related revenue and other mineral-related payments. The state has said the amount includes claims relating to land compensation and other dues.
The Centre and the state have differing positions on the legal and financial implications of these claims. Recent reports said the Jharkhand government has decided to approach the Supreme Court over the MMDR amendment.
Pandey said mining activities also place environmental, social and infrastructure-related costs on Jharkhand, including concerns over pollution, displacement and damage associated with mineral transportation.He said the party would continue raising the issue through political, constitutional and legal forums and would seek a review of provisions that it believes affect the interests of Jharkhand.
The JMM leader said the movement was being presented as a broader campaign concerning the state’s natural resources and the interests of future generations.The development comes amid an ongoing political dispute in Jharkhand over the MMDR Amendment Act.
The state government has separately announced plans to challenge the amended law in the Supreme Court, while the BJP has criticised the opposition to the legislation and alleged that the JMM’s campaign is linked to other political issues.
