Corp tag to Rkl:Tribals launch eco blockade

Rourkela: The Sundergarh district administration has imposed prohibitory order under section 144 of IPC at all sensitive places across the district including Rourkela city as Adivashi Milita Manch, a tribal outfit, called for an economic blockade today in the district protesting against the corporation status to the steel city.

To avoid possible untoward incident, Sundergarh district administration deployed 30 platoons of police forces, three battalions RPF across the district.

Shops and business establishments are found shut down in some places of Bedabyasa, Bisra, Manmunda and Ragjangpur in the morning. However, normal life at other places has remained unaffected and vehicular communication is normal despite of the blockade call.

Meanwhile, some agitators of the tribal body have been arrested during protest. Police have kept strict vigil on the situation, sources said.

Sources said ever since the Government announced its intention to include a population of above 35,000 residing in Jagda, Jhirpani, Kalunga, Jhartarang and Chikatmati gram panchayats under Rourkela Municipality, over 70 per cent of tribal people have been protesting against it.