CPI stage demonstration demanding halt to Posco work

A large number of CPI workers and supporters took out a rally accusing state government of trying to demolish the prospering rural economy and agriculture besides snatching away livelihood of villagers in proposed Posco plant site.

Carrying placards, the rallyists shouted slogans against the state government accusing it of unleashing terror in Dhinkia-Gobindpur area in Jagatsinghpur district to acquire land forcibly in the area for the South Korean steel major.

Addressing the demonstrators, senior CPI leaders extended full support to the anti-displacement brigade in their battle against Posco project.

In Balasore, a public meeting was organised and memorandum sent to the prime minister and chief minister demanding permanent halt of land acquisition for the proposed mega steel project. Similar protest rallies were held in Keonjhar and Cuttack districts too, a CPI statement said.

CPI had given a call to observe protest day today throughout the country as a mark of solidarity with the people facing displacement due to Posco project. Meanwhile, Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti (PPSS) spokesperson Prashant Paikaray in a statement said they were apprehending a commando operation in Dhinkia area to arrest anti-Posco leaders.