By IANS
Jagatsinghpur (Orissa) : Hundreds of demonstrators, supporting a proposed project of South Korean steel major Posco in Orissa, blocked two roads in the state's Jagatsinghpur district Monday, demanding protection from those opposing the project.
Supporters of the project, belonging to about 10 villages of the coastal district, blocked National Highway No 5-A near Bhutmundai village and the Cuttack-Paradeep state highway for over five hours.
The blockade was lifted after district administration officials assured them that their grievances would be heard and necessary steps taken.
Posco, one of the world's biggest steel makers, signed a deal with the Orissa government in June 2005 to set up a steel plant near Paradeep by 2016 with an investment of $12 billion.
Those who oppose the project claim that it will affect over 20,000 people from around 15 nearby villages, not only displacing them but also ruining the betel leaf farming that is their main source of livelihood.
Supporters of the project claim the plant will bring prosperity, economic growth and more employment.
The demonstrators Monday made at least five demands, including government protection to the people supporting the steel plant and action against those opposed to it, a district official told IANS.
"Anti-Posco activists are attacking us from time to time, humiliating us for supporting the project," said Sribatsh Dalai, a Posco supporter. "We have brought this matter to the notice of the local administration and police but no one has come forward to help us," he said.
At least 42 families of Dhinikia and Patana villages, the proposed site of the Posco plant, were so badly humiliated by anti-Posco activists that they left their homes 10 days ago out of fear, Dalai added.
"They have now taken shelter in a primary school at Bhutmundai village located near the national highway. We want their peaceful return and also want the government to make its stand clear on the plant," he said.
There have been numerous clashes between the pro and anti Posco groups in the past with people from both sides often resorting to road blockades and demonstrations. Residents of the area claim that development work in the region has come to a standstill due to the row, though local officials deny this.
Police have registered at least 100 cases against over 300 pro and anti Posco people since the deal was signed, a police official said.