After three days of strike, residents of 35 Mouza called off their strike keeping the annual Rath Yatra in view. As a result, ferrying of boats will be normal from tomorrow.
According to sources, boatmen of 35 Mouza Krushnaprasad stopped ferrying boats following a dispute with Alupatna village. Earlier, villagers of Alupatna assaulted president of 35 Mouza following which residents of 35 Mouza stopped ferrying of boats and passengers in Chilika.
On the other hand, Alupatna villagers have threatened to assault Krushnaprasad 35 Mouza villagers if the latter are found crossing the Chilika lake.
Though police arrested the person who assaulted president of 35 Mouza and administration held discussion with the both the parties to resolve the issue, it went in vain.
Residents of 35 Mouza demanded apology from Alupatna villagers to call off the strike. Repeated discussions with both the parties failed to evoke any results for two consecutive days disrupting communication at Chilika for third day.
However, 35 Mouza Management Committee on Tuesday decided to call off strike keeping annual Rath Yatra in mind. After having discussion with Krushnaprasad Block Development Officer, Tehsildar and Inspector-in-charge, 35 Mouza Management Committee, it decided to withdraw protest.
It is learnt that post Rath Yatra, the district administration will again hold discussion with both the parties. Meanwhile, ferrying of boats will be made operational from tomorrow.
Manoj Sahu, a resident of Krushnaprasad said, “Many people from South Odisha depend on this route to take part in Rath Yatra. After having discussion with the administration, we withdrew strike for the time being.”