Lawyers allege violation of human rights in POSCO project

Bhubaneswar, Jun 26 (UNI) Members of the Kujanga Criminal Bar Association today urged the Orissa Human Right Commission (OHRC) to intervene into the human rights violation of the inhabitants of Dhinkia Gram Panchayat, the site for the proposed mega steel plant by the South Korea steel major POSCO.

In a memorandum to OHRC Chairman Justice(Retd) R K Patra, the Association said hundreds of criminal cases were filed in Kujanga Police Station following a violent struggle between the supporters of pro and anti-POSCO project.

But neither the police nor the district administration took any step to resolve the grievances of the people.

The criminal activities of the anti-POSCO group was rising day by day and 77 families were leading a nomadic life after being driven out from their home by the anti-POSCO agitators.

The lawyers further alleged that lawlessness prevailed in the area and inhabitants were feeling unsecured. The situation has come to such a stage that even the district administration could not conduct the panchayat elections in Dhinkia Gram Panchayat.

The Bar Association urged the OHRC Chairman to initiate steps to restore security, justice and peace in the area.

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