Jagatsinghpur, November 2 (Odisha.in) The successful gathering of thousands people in a rally organized by Erasama legislator Dr. Damodar Rout in Balitutha Thursday has brought new hopes for the south Korea steel major Posco who plans to set up a mega steel plant in the region.
In spite of demonstration by anti Posco activists and non cooperation of ruling BJD leaders, Rout conducted first ever pro Posco meeting at Balitutha successfully.
It was the first big meeting in support of the company since it signed deal with the Orissa government two and half years ago.
Addressing to gathering, Rout requested the villagers of Dhinikia not to be biased and inspired by anti Posco leader Abhaya Shaoo.
He said that Shaoo who was living in poverty is now a rich man. He affirmed that no forces and power could stop Posco project.
He expressed that people are realizing the benefits of Posco steel project as it would not only develop this areas but will bring good name for the state.
Farmers have faced heavy loss in agriculture and betel business due to under sale of paddy and betel crops. The rate of fish production has gradually decreased so the time has come to welcome to Posco project.
He informed that thousands of people this locality has migrated to other states in search of jobs and have been tortured their and it is time to bring them back and give employment here.
He said that job cards and identity cards will be given to land losers for getting employment and rehabilitation facilities in Posco project. He informed that only 365 acres of land will be acquired for the project and the government is taking all steps to give the land loses all opportunity.
Pro Posco leader Chandan Mohanty of Patana village who has been ostracized by anti Posco activist with 42 other families expressed how they have sacrifice for the proposed project.
He explained the inhumane and violence activities of anti Posco activists in Posco areas. He said that today’s meeting has given inspiration and strength to fight against them.
He expected that the project supporters’ strength has increased to 90 per cent of the population of the area against 10 per cent who oppose it.
Former Zilla Parishad president Sabita Mohapatra, zilla parishad member Prakash Parida and other BJD leader Nimain Swain, Kishoer Parida also delivered speeches and needed the co operation and support from people.
They urged the government to expedite rehabilitation and resettlement activities to create confidence among those supporting the project.
They have also demanded to arrest anti Posco activists who have terrorized in Posco site. They blamed police for not taking actions against anti Posco activities even if more than 75 cases are pending against them at Kujang police station.
BJD leader Mr Anadi Rout presided over the meeting that witnessed more than 5000 people.
Earlier district superintendent of police R.K.Sharama who recently joined and sub collector Debendra Kumar Singh were humiliated by anti Posco activists while they attempted to enter into Posco areas Nuagaon and Gadakujang panchyats.
More than 1500 PPSS activists conducted demonstration with lathi, arrows, brooms and swords at Balitutha Bridge protesting Mr Rout’s meeting. They did not allow SP and sub collector to Posco site.
Pro Posco meeting was a party meeting of the ruling BJD, anti Posco leader Mr Abhaya Shaoo said.
Out of 15000 populations, only 700 to1000 people of Posco areas participated while others are BJD workers from different panchyat, he said.
Odisha.in