Demanding immediate release of Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti (PPSS) president Abhay Sahoo and another leader laxman Parmanik from jail and cancellation of the Posco project, people from different walks of life under the banner of the Posco Pratirodh Jan Sangharsh Manch (PPJSM) on Wednesday started an indefinite dharna in front of the State Assembly.
“The strike will continue till cancellation of the Posco project and release of PPSS leaders Abhay Sahoo and laxman Parmanik,” said lok Shakti Abhiyan convenor Prafulla Samantara.
Slamming the State administration for its “forcible” land acquisition at the proposed Posco project site and “illegal” arrest of Posco protestors, rights activist Biswapriya Kanungo, who also participated in the dharna, urged the Government to respect the views of the general public and local people before setting up of some industries.
Nearly four locals have been killed in police action in the Posco project, alleged the protestors. “The State Government’s attempt to allow Posco project is highly deplorable. Hundreds of farmers of six coastal districts will be deprived of getting Mahanadi river water for farming if the project comes up,” they said.
Holding placards saying Posco, go back and Stop forcible land acquisition, and Release PPSS president Abhay Sahoo, the agitators demanded withdrawal of the police force from the Dhinkia area.
Many social activists, members of civil societies and intellectuals participated in the demonstration and decried the police excesses on project opponents.