Rourkela: Tension prevailed outside the campus of OCL and Rajgangpur town as the tribals of Sundargarh district once again protested against the public hearing on OCL’s mining area expansion. Earlier also, the public hearing had to be cancelled following protests.
Keshramal Gram Sabha Committee demanded cancellation of the allegedly illegal and unconstitutional ‘Jana Sunani’ (public hearing).
The protesters raised slogans by flaunting banners and placards: “OCL India Ltd (Dalmia Bharat Group) Go Back Go Back, ADM Sundargarh Go Back Go Back, Regional Officer Pollution Control Board Go Back Go Back”. They also raised slogan Jal, Jungle, Jamin Hamara Adhikar Hai. (water, forest and land are our rights).”
Tension prevailed when the pro and anti groups locked horns following which a large posse of police personnel had to take stock of the situation.
The protesting tribals were led by Birmitrapur MLA George Tirkey.
PNN