Jagatsinghpur August 10 (Odisha.in) Local administration Friday has lifted prohibitory order under section 144 at Balitutha bazar under Kujang police station in Orissa’s Jagatsinghpur district after cancellation of meetings by both pro and anti Posco activists in that place.
The administration had clamped 144 Thursday after the pro-and anti Posco groups announced to organize massive meetings in that place.
Although anti Posco group under the banner of Posco Pratirodha Sangram Samiti refrained from organizing a meeting at Balitutha, they however conducted a protest meeting at Patana village under Dhinikia panchyat Thursday.
Hundreds of women activists and school children participated in this. Local residents including women and children came from affected Dhinikia, Patana villages and congregated at Patanahat.
Anti Posco leader Mr Abhaya Shaoo and other leaders strongly criticized the activities of district administration and police for restricting them from holding meetings.
They vowed to intensify their movement until the South Korea steel major Posco quits the region.
“Freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi launched Quit India Movement on 9th August’1942 to protest British and fought till they vacate our land.
On the other hand, Posco supporters under the banner of Purbanchala Bikash Parishad and Posco Jansampark Bikash Parisha led by Harihar Lingraj Mohanty, Nirvaya Samantray, Tamil Pradhan and others also conducted a public meeting at Gadakujnag Friday after the administration lifted 144.
They clarified that their agitation is not in favour of establishment of Posco steel project but to protest the activities of anti Posco activities.
They said that anti Posco activists have terrorized and ostracized the local people in which 42 ostracized families are taking shelter in private college campus leaving their home since one and half months.
They alleged that anti Posco activists have assaulted and misbehaved women and local people particularly those who are not protesting Posco project.
They have also demanded to provide health, education, shelter, and other social security measures to 42 ostracized families who are living in pathetic condition in a private college.
District superintendent of police, Jagatsinghpur Mr Y.K.Jethwa has expressed that the situation at Balitutha has become normal after cancellation of two meetings of both groups.
Odisha.in