Black flags shown to Minister Pratap Jena in Angul

Angul: Protesting poor condition of healthcare services, a group of social activists showed black flags to Health Minister Pratap Jena near Thana Chhak here on Friday.

The Minister was on his way to attend a presser on the BJD-sponsored Mahanadi Surakhya Abhiyan in Athamalik of the district when the activists showed black flags to his convoy shouting slogans.

The protestors pressed for fulfilment of a six-point charter of demands, including improvement in healthcare services in the district, filling of vacant doctor posts and commissioning of Talcher Medical College.

While the activists wanted to meet the minister to put forth their demands at the Circuit House in the region, the later went away to attend the presser without meeting them. Disappointed, the social activists protested the minister's move by showing black flags.

On the other hand, Jena briefed mediapersons on the agitation over Mahanadi water dispute and said the Abhiyan will be launched in Angul district in the afternoon today.

Large number of party activists will take out a rally from Kiakata to Athamalik, where a public meeting will be held in the evening. The rally will again start from Athamalik tomorrow, said Jena.

"The Abhiyan is meant for the larger interest of the people of the State and a move to protest the Centre's step-motherly attitude towards Odisha," he added.