Amidst political controversies, land acquisition for the Rs 52,000 crore Posco steel project resumed with tight security at Gobindpur village in Orissa’s Jagatsinghpur district.
While the administration claims that the land acquisition process is peaceful, the anti-Posco brigade led by Posco Pratirodh Sangarm Samiti (PPSS) accused the police and district administration of highhandedness and atrocities. “Land acquisition for the steel project is continuing in a smooth and peaceful manner. Betel-vine plantations of only those who are willing are being demolished,” district collector Satya Kumar Mallick said.
Two teams were engaged in the exercise, monitored by senior officials, including the collector Mr Mallick and superintendent of police Satyabrata Bhoi. “People are voluntarily cooperating in eviction of betel-vine plantations on government lands. Today, we cleared at least 10 betel farms,” the SP said.
He said compensation to the tune of `45 lakh were paid since the eviction drive resumed on Sunday morning. Countering the district administration’s claim of peaceful land acquisition, the PPSS alleged that the protesting people, including women and children, were hounded by gun-totting police men in an early morning swoop on Sunday. “We have been opposing the plant in a democratic process. Police has entered the village and beaten the farmers, ladies and children mercilessly,” PPSS president Abhaya Sahoo said.