October 14, 2008

Security beefed up at POSCO site in Orissa

IANS reported that Orissa government has beefed up security and clamped prohibitory order at the POSCO steel plant site. The order, which prohibits the assembly of four or more people, was issued on March 19th 2008 at Balitutha, where POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, plans to organize a massive rally of over 15,000 people on April 1st 2008 against the project.

Mr RK Sharma Superintendent of Police at Paradip district said that "It is a routine administrative measure we have taken to prevent any breach of peace."

Meanwhile, Mr Prasant Paikray spokesperson of POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti said that "It is a deliberate attempt by the administration to foil the rally. We will hold the rally in a peaceful manner despite the prohibitory order. If the administration or police attack us they will be responsible for the consequences."

April 1st 2008 is observed as Orissa formation day and POSCO, with the help of the state government, is planning to hold a ground breaking ceremony at the port town of Paradip for its Greenfield steel plant.