Clashes persist over POSCO project in Orissa

Nov 30:  Turning into yet another Nandigram and Kalinga Nagar like situation two groups of villagers in the Erasama Block of Jagatsinghpur, Orissa turn violent over the proposed POSCO steel plant; taking shape of a serious clash between supporters and opponents that left many injured.

The incident occurred at around 5 pm on Thursday when activists of anti-POSCO project led by the NGO - POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti were sitting on a “dharna” presenting their opposition at Balitutha. This is the place where the NGOs have been continuously demonstrating by blocking roads.

With opposition from locals of Balitutha, the activist had later removed the road blockade but the villagers from the nearby region wanted the activists to lift their camp, which didn’t please the anti-POSCO campaigner and this turned into a clash between the two groups.

As per the local reports the supporters of the project pelted stones and even threw bombs towards the anti-POSCO protestors that left more than 15 persons critically injured. The supporters of the project also burnt the tents at the campsite. However, police later took the clash under control though no such cases have been registered so far as the administration has been advocating in favour of the project since long.

The proposed Rs 52000 crore POSCO steel plant has been cause of major unrest in Orissa as farmers of the project site do not want to give up their land citing the land in place are fertile, and ever since demanding the plant should be shifted to some infertile land.

The Korean steel company needs a total of 4,000 acres land the sate government has not able to provide half of it that is the major cause of delay though the POSCO deal was signed in June 2005.

The latest hostage issue and repeated conflict is not only worsening the situation but also a clear indication that the administration has not done anything concrete for a proper dialogue with the agitators.

With the implementation of new ‘Rehabilitation and Resettlement’ policy by the central government, the people of the Jagatsinghpur district can hope for something better on their way. But first of all, the administration must learn how to take locals into confidence for the success of project like this as any resettlement policy only goes in vague creating most shocking situation like the incident in Kalinga Nagar of Jajpur district where 12 villagers had been killed by police firing while demonstrating against the TATA steel plant.