A new committee comprising a set of tribal leaders, representing both political and apolitical outfits, has been formed to negotiate with people opposed to the proposed coal-mine project in Birbhum’s Deocha-Pachami.

Sources said Mohammedbazar Block Adivasi Lahanti Mancha was formed on Friday to informally act as a bridge between the state government and the protesting tribals.

The Manch consists of nine prominent tribal leaders of the district and is headed by Trinamul’s Buddhadeb Hansda, the son of former CPM district secretary Manasa Hansda.

“After a series of meetings, government officials and senior Trinamul leaders have realised that it would be better to send tribal leaders on the ground to counter the opposition to the project. Trinamul leaders were unable to do the job as they were divided into two factions,” said a member of the Manch.

Tribal leaders such as Sunil Soren, Rabin Soren and Ghasiram Hembram have also been kept in the committee.