September 07, 2008

Kalinga Nagar blockade lifted

SNS reported that harried Jajpur district administration heaved a sigh of temporary relief as warring groups which had set up road blockades at several points paralyzing movement of vehicles since last 3 days at Kalinga Nagar, lifted the blockades.

The Visthapan Virodhi Jana Manch, spearheading the anti displacement agitation in the area lifted its road block after discussions with the district administration. They had sealed the NH connecting Daitari to Paradip since May 1st 2008 following the death of one of their activists who was shot by a bodyguard of a contractor.

Mr Rabindra Jarika general secretary of VVJM said that "We have lifted the blockade for the convenience of public not for the administration. The blockade will be restarted if our demands are not fulfilled within the time frame. The agitation against multinational companies, who are hiring goons to eliminate our activists, will however continue."

It may be noted that Mr Arabinda Singh along with his security guards had advised Mr Banara who was accompanied by some of his supporters not to oppose land acquisition for a steel plant project at Kalinga Nagar. A clash ensued and the security guard had fired three rounds which killed Mr Banara on the spot.

The VVJM had promptly resorted to agitation and Mr Banara was cremated at Vir Bhoomi where a mass cremation of the 14 tribal gunned down by the police on January 2nd 2006 had taken place.

Mr Jarika said that "Amin lost his life for the cause of tribal who oppose forcible land acquisition in Kalinga Nagar. He is martyr to us and we will erect his memory pillar among 14 earlier martyrs at Vir Bhoomi." He added that VVJM took a vow to continue opposing the displacement caused by the proposed steel plant.