Work still suspended at Jaypee Cement plant

Bokaro, Oct 26 (UNI) The work at Jaypee Cement plant, which was set on fire by irate villagers four days ago, was yet to be resumed, official sources here said.

The company management today said that they would consider reopening of the plant by next month once safety of the workers was ensured by the district administration.

The plant, a joint venture of Bokaro Steel Plant and Jaypee Cement, was set on fire by a group of villagers at Tupkadih on the night of October 23. Besides, they ransacked the office of the plant and torched many vehicles parked in the premises.

Company vice-president Ashok Sarma told UNI that properties worth of crores of rupees were damaged in the arson, adding if the district administration and local people give assurance to extend total support, then only the management would contemplate to restore work next month.

He said the company started operation from September 30 last on 50 acres of land adding, that a top official would start a dialogue with the villagers and administration shortly to sort out the disputes if any.

Police today arrested 12 people in connection with arson and rioting inside the plant.

The locals were agitated as the displaced people were denied jobs at the plant.

UNI XC-PRS PC KK AKJ KP1840