Barmer, June 6 -- A 42-year-old labourer died on Thursday night after his health suddenly deteriorated while he was participating in a sit-in protest against mining operations in a village in Barmer district, officials said on Friday. The deceased was identified as Jaisaram Meghwal. He had been part of a sit-in protest that has been continuing for nearly two months outside the Giral lignite mines in Giral village. Others protesting at the site said he fell ill at the protest site and was first taken to Bhadkha Hospital before being shifted to Barmer district hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Family members said they had refused to accept the body and continued their sit-in outside mortuary premises on Friday, demanding accountability from authorities. Protesters alleged that several workers had fallen ill due to the harsh summer conditions during the prolonged agitation. They added that neither administrative officials nor representatives of the mining company visited the protest site despite repeated requests. The protests began on April 9. Protestors including labourers, farmers, drivers and other locals, have been demanding employment opportunities and better working conditions at the mines, which are operated by Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMML). Protesters alleged that locals were promised jobs when the government acquired land for mining operations in nearby villages, including Thumbli, but to little avail. They also demanded the implementation of an eight-hour work shift and priority hiring for local residents. "The administration has been in deep slumber while workers have been protesting in extreme heat for the past two months. Jaisaram's death is not just a tragedy, it is a failure of the system," Bhati said. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Rajendra Singh Chandawat said a team had reached the hospital and an investigation was underway to determine the exact cause of death. The Giral Lignite Mines, located in Barmer district, were established by RSMML in 1994 and are considered Rajasthan's first modern open-cast lignite mining project. The mines supply fuel to the Giral Lignite Power Plant and play a significant role in generating the region's energy sector's total output....