Betel vine farmers threaten self immolation

The betel vine farmers of Polang under Gadkujang panchayat have threatened to commit self immolation if their betel vines are demolished forcibly by the survey teams. Nearly 20 families have protested Global Positioning System based survey and land acquisition process for Posco project at Polang village under Gakujang panchayat. After the United Action Committee (UAC), a pro-Posco outfit, agreed to allow the survey work, 22 members have joined the newly formed pro-Posco outfit, Bhita Mati Surakhya Janmanch to press their demands. Special Land Acquisition Officer, Nrusingh Swain said, “The betel vines of beneficiaries have been demolished after taking their willingness. The demolition of only 8-10 beneficiaries have been left due to many reasons like threat of self immolation and the absence of guardians. The survey teams have demolished 30 betel vines at Polang and Nolliasahi villages today.”