Scores of locals under the banner of Regional Action Committee held demonstration on March 9 in front of the Joda DDM office demanding reopening of closed mines. The agitators from the surrounding villages spoke as to how they were suffering due to the closure of the mines at a meeting which was convened by social worker Nilamani Mahanty and presided over by Joda Municipality chairperson Manjula Patra. Those who addressed the gathering included vice-chairman Surendra Jena and Palasa panchayat sarpanch Basu Naik among others. Sources revealed that the demonstration will continue till the demands are met.