HC orders lifting of year-old NH blockade

In a significant judgement, the Orissa High Court today ordered the state government to take immediate measures for lifting of the blockade of National Highway 200 at Kalinga Nagar in Jajpur district and take stringent action against those indulging in such activity.

It may be noted that vehicular traffic on the highway had been blocked for over a year now by the supporters of Bisthapan Birodhi Jan Manch (BBJM), an outfit floated in the aftermath of killing of 13 tribals in police firing at Kalinga Nagar on January 2, 2006, to protest displacement of people for setting up of industries in the area.

National Highway 200 is a vital link that connected iron ore mines of Daitary with Paradip port.

One Chamara Soi of Gobarghati village near Kalinga Nagar had filed a case in the HC against the leaders of BBJM, Rabindra Jarika and others, last May after his ailing son died when he was barred from transporting him in a vehicle to a nearby hospital through this road.

While seeking compensation for the loss of his son's life, Soi had demanded lifting of the road blockade in his prayer before the court.

The Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), which sustained huge financial losses due to disruption in transport service because of the road blockade, was an intervener in the case.

The court, in its order today, has asked the government to take immediate measures to vacate the road blockade and take strong action against those perpetrating the offence.