The Hindu : National : POSCO: 15 hurt as rival groups clash

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Friday, Nov 30, 2007
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POSCO: 15 hurt as rival groups clash

Special Correspondent

BHUBANESWAR: At least 15 persons were injured when villagers supporting and opposing the proposed steel plant project of POSCO-India clashed in Erasama Block of Jagatsinghpur district on Thursday.

The violent clash took place at 5 p.m. at Balitutha where the activists of POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti had been staging a dharna since long to highlight their opposition.

The clash between the two rival sides was followed by a large number of outsiders reaching the spot and hurling of crude bomb and stones at the anti-POSCO activists, president of the Sangram Samiti Abhay Sahu claimed.

The tents put up by the anti-project people were burnt by the project-supporters.

A majority of the injured persons belonged to the camp opposing the project.

As soon as both sides left the spot of the violence, police were successful in reaching Balitutha, the main entry point for the three gram panchayats of Dhinkia, Nuagaon and Gadakujang.

Mr. Sahu alleged that the outsiders who attacked the villagers opposing the steel project had been sent by POSCO-India in connivance with the administration.

Charge against Naveen

“By creating a serious divide between the local people, the Naveen Patnaik Government is creating a Nandigram-like situation in the area to facilitate setting up of the steel project of POSCO,” Mr. Sahu said.

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