Jindal Power Limited (JPL) has withdrawn its application for a public hearing for a new coal mine in Gare Pelma Sector-1, Chhattisgarh, following significant unrest and protests by local villagers. The company formally requested the cancellation of the hearing on December 29, after days of demonstrations by thousands of villagers from 14 villages who opposed the project due to environmental and livelihood concerns. Congress leaders blamed company and administrative actions for provoking the violence, while officials confirmed the process to cancel the public hearing is underway.