The conference was attended by representatives from major coal-producing areas, including Gevra, Dipka, Kusmunda, Korba, Raigarh, Baikunthpur, Vishrampur, Bhatgaon, Chirmiri, and Hasdeo in Chhattisgarh, as well as Sohagpur and Jamuna-Kotma in Madhya Pradesh. Farmer leaders, social activists, legal professionals, and villagers displaced by mining operations participated in the deliberations.

The primary objective of the conference was to chart a unified strategy to address persistent issues faced by land losers in SECL projects. Participants discussed the need for assured jobs for displaced families, fair and timely compensation, proper rehabilitation colonies, and access to basic civic amenities. It was unanimously agreed to form an SECL-level federation of displaced persons’ organizations to strengthen collective bargaining and coordination.

A key decision taken at the conference was to pass resolutions on January 26 in village assemblies across affected areas, formally documenting local demands. These resolutions, endorsed by elected representatives such as MPs, MLAs, and panchayat members, will be submitted to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of SECL. The federation also plans to launch phased protests at SECL’s Bilaspur headquarters, Coal India Limited’s office in Kolkata, and the Union Ministry of Coal in New Delhi if grievances remain unaddressed.

The event began with floral tributes to national leaders and social reformers. School students presented a welcome song, followed by an inaugural address by organizer Rudra Das. Sapuram Kuldeep, president of the Urjadhani Bhuvisthapit Kisan Kalyan Samiti, presented a detailed report outlining the history of coal mining in the region and its socio-economic impact on local communities. He highlighted gaps in rehabilitation policies and alleged inconsistencies in their implementation.

Several speakers emphasized that despite decades of mining, many displaced families continue to live without secure livelihoods or basic infrastructure. Legal experts at the conference underlined the need for transparent enforcement of land acquisition and rehabilitation norms.

The conference concluded with a call for sustained, peaceful, and united action, signaling that displaced communities are prepared to escalate their movement if long-pending demands are not met.