Raipur, Feb 25 (IANS) Opposition Congress party members staged a walk out from the Chhattisgarh assembly Monday to protest what they called as the government showing favours to the Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) in the allotment of coalmines in the state. Leader of Opposition Mahendra Karma moved a call attention notice and alleged that the government held the public hearing for the environment clearance of the coalmines in Raigarh district Jan 5 in the absence of villagers, who were not even informed.

Ignoring the protests of the villagers, the officials completed the proceedings and the police dispersed the people by resorting to baton-charge, which injured 125 villagers.

State Home Minister Ramvichar Netam denied the charges and said the police used mild force only to disperse the villagers who attacked security personnel deployed to maintain law and order.

He added that 21 policemen were injured while 14 villagers sustained minor injuries.

When the opposition members said the government did not reply to the irregularities in conducting the public hearing, Netam said the matter did not concern his department. This prompted the opposition to stage a walkout from the house.