Mining operations at the Gua mines, operated by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in Jharkhand, India, were halted for 12 hours on Monday due to a blockade by local villagers led by 12 traditional village heads. The villagers demanded the recruitment of 500 local unemployed youths into the company. The blockade began at 4 AM and was lifted around 4:30 PM after a meeting facilitated by block welfare officer Vinod Kumar, who agreed to arrange a tripartite meeting on May 5 to discuss employment and other welfare issues. Despite initial discussions with SAIL management, the villagers rejected proposals for monthly recruitment of 2-3 youths. The situation escalated when former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Madhu Koda joined the protest, warning of a blockade from April 20. The blockade effectively paralyzed operations, preventing SAIL employees from entering the premises and blocking all traffic in the area, creating significant disruptions.