A large number of tribals rallied in Kalinga Nagar in Jajpur district on Saturday to mark the 15th anniversary of the killing of 14 tribals including three women in police firing while protesting against Tata’ s proposed steel project.
15 years ago, the police had fired on tribals protesting against forcible displacement through the construction of a boundary wall by the Tata Steel for its 6 million tonne steel plant in the steel hub.
The anti-industry groups under the banner of Visthapan Virodhi Jan Manch assembled on Saturday at Ambagadia, where the tribals were killed in the police action .
The tribals, mostly women and children, brandishing swords, lathis and their traditional weapons took out a 6 km long rally from Birbhumi, the firing spot to Ambagadia. Carrying posters and banners, the tribals marched towards the memorial pillar.
"We are ready to die but will not spare even an inch of land for industry," said secretary BBJM Rabindra Jarika in the meeting.
Security had been tightened in the areas.