JDP to intensify protest against Arcelor-Mittal

Jamshedpur, Nov 1 (UNI) The Jharkhand Dishom Party today said it would intensify its protests on the issues of displacement of local people against various industrial groups, including the world's largest steel producer Arcelor-Mittal, who had inked MoUs with the Jharkhand government and other eastern states for setting up their projects.

In a statement issued here, party president Salkhan Murmu informed of opposing the displacement of locals, especially tribals, due to establishment of various industries, adding that his party would intensify its agitation.

''We have organised two meetings against the Arcelor Mittal's proposed plant in Khunti near Ranchi and will intensify our agitation against the company in near future. On this issue we are completely against Congress MP Sushila Kerketa,'' the statement said.

''We are also organising meetings on Novemeber 7 in Potka area of East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand against Bhusan power and steel, on November 9 against Jupiter Cement in Hadisai village of Saraikela-Kharsawa district. On the same issue a meeting of the Visthapan Virodhi Morcha (Anti-displacement front) of the party will be organised in Putra village of Sundergarh district in neighbouring Orissa,'' he added.

Arcelor-Mittal Group had signed a MoU with Jharkhand government for setting up of its greenfield steel plant of 12 million tonnes per annum capacity with an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore in the state. It has reportedly shown interest in Khunti and Gumla areas of the state for the project.

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