SNS reported that the battle against displacement in the steel hub of Kalinga Nagar reassumed on the third death anniversary of the firing incident in which 14 tribals were gunned down by the police while they were demonstrating the TATA Steel project.

According to media report, over 2,200 tribals staged demonstration against the displacement of people because of the projects of TATA Steel as well as other industrial houses at Kalinganagar. The "Red" Leftist” banners and flags dominated the scene of the tribal movement today. Delegates from different parts of Orissa as well as neighboring states of Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal gathered here to renew their pledge against forced displacement.

A 70 feet long memory pillar, made of iron was inaugurated at the mass cremation site to commemorate the death anniversary of the firing victims. The columns were built joining 14 pieces of laterite stone symbolizing the victims who were killed on 2 January 2006.

Earlier in the day, the family members of the firing victims offered flowers and oil as apart of a ritual on the 14 memorial columns erected at the mass cremation ground.

Speakers at the meeting vowed to continue and intensify their agitation against mega projects which cause massive displacement and loss of livelihood for the poor and the tribals.

TATA Steel has planned to set up 6 million tonne steel project in the region on an investment of INR 15,400 crore by 2010. But due to local opposition, the project has been delayed by about 18 months.

(Sourced from Statesman News Service)