Group clash erupts in POSCO project site area

Paradeep, Nov 29 (UNI) Eight pro and anti- POSCO supporters were injured and tension prevailed in Balitutha area after a violent clash broke out between them this evening following a road blockade by the anti-POSCO agitators.

Kujanga police station Inspector-in-charge Anil Mishra said eight people from both the groups were injured following a violent clash between the two. Both the groups used lathis, arrows and other sharp weapons in the clash.

He said the supporters of anti-POSCO group allegedly pelted stones and indulged in brick batting on the other pro group standing near Balitutha.

The pro-POSCO supporters had gone to the site to request the anti-POSCO agitators to withdraw their road blockade and illegal camp at Balitutha road.

Later,the pro-POSCO supporters allegedly hurled a couple of bombs on the camps of anti-POSCO supporters and set ablaze their temporary tents at Balitutha.

Police said since last one week tension prevailed in the proposed POSCO sites after POSCO Pratirodha Sangram Samiti activists spearheading agitation against the steel project by South Korea Steel major staged the road blockade at Balitutha.

As a result the pro-POSCO supporters of Nuagaon village remained confined to their village as they had no other means of communication to move out of their village.

Local people alleged that the situation turned worse as the district administration and law enforcing agencies remained mute spectator and failed to resolve the crisis.

Two platoons of police forces had been deployed in the area to avert any further law and order problem. Additional Superintendent of police R Patra and Kujang Tehsildar Debasish Singh have rushed to the sport to take stock of the situation.

UNI