Tension At Damanjodi NALCO Following Police-Oustees Face-Off; Sec 144 Clamped

Jeypore: Tension erupted at National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) at Damanjodi here in Koraput district following a scuffle between Police and NALCO oustees who were on dharna for last four days demanding jobs.

hurled tear gas shell as the protesters reportedly pelted stones at the security personnel. One police personnel sustained injuries while a police vehicle and magistrate's car got damaged in the stone pelting. As many as 20 protesters have been picked up and taken to police custody.

According to reports, the oustees had been on a dharna for the last four days demanding employment. They also staged a road blockade at Nalco road bringing vehicular traffic into a grinding halt.

Tension prevailed after administrative officials today reached the protest venue and tried to pacify the protesters.

Apprehending escalation of tension, the administration has imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC at Anlabadi-Nalco Mines.

At present, eight platoons of forces have been mobilised to the spot. Superintendent of Police, Sub-collector and Tehsildar are present on the spot and have kept a close watch on the situation.