CPI protests against proposed POSCO steel plant in Orissa

Communist Party of India (CPI) activists staged a demonstration against the proposed POSCO-India steel plant in Jagatsinghpur district here today by blocking the roads.

Bhubaneswar, June 21 : Communist Party of India (CPI) activists staged a demonstration against the proposed POSCO-India steel plant in Jagatsinghpur district here today by blocking the roads.

They demanded cancellation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Posco, the Korean multi national company (MNC) and the Orissa Government two years ago.

The CPI protestors opined that the company should not be allowed to set up its plant at the cost of many locals' livelihood.

"The company has come to Orissa to loot the people. This Korean company has come here to loot the poor people and we as responsible citizens are raising our voice against the entire project. It has been two years since the agreement was signed between the company and the Orissa Government, but not even single member of the company has entered here," said Sura Jena, State CPI Secretary.

Ever since then, protest rallies against this project have become a routine affair in which hundreds of human rights activists, affected tribals and other like-minded organisations have been participating.

Villagers fear the project will destroy a vibrant agrarian and fishing economy where people grow two paddy crops a year and women often earn an income from bamboo cane and livestock rearing.

"The na�ve people will loose out on their land, fishery and livelihood. So, what is the use of the company's arrival here? The people from outside will get the jobs and we will be left with nothing," said Damodar Mahapatra, Secretary, CPI local committee.

However, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reiterated his government's decision that the problem could be resolved peacefully.

"...People on private land could negotiate, but I am naturally keen on the biggest FTI plant in the country, meaning, Orissa. I feel problems can be resolved peacefully," said Patnaik.

POSCO, one of the world's biggest steel makers, signed a deal with the state government in June 2005 to set up the plant near the port town of Paradeep in the coastal district of Jagatsinghpur by 2016.

ANI