CPI demands release of anti-Posco leader

General Secretary of Communist Party of India (CPI), A B Bardhan has reiterated his party’s demand for shifting of the site of proposed mega steel plant of Posco in Orissa and its relocation to a place which has less human habitation.

Talking to media persons after the 20th state council meeting of CPI at Paradip, Bardhan said an ideal site is available just a few kms away from the present site which is relatively barren and unsuitable for agriculture and fishing activities.

Though CPI has written to prime minister suggesting to shift the plant, no action has been initiated so far either by the Union government or the state government, he rued.

 

He also condemned the arrest of the top anti-Posco movement leader Abhaya Sahu and demanded his immediate release. “It is a sinister design of the government to break the anti-Posco movement”, he observed.

Bardhan said, the ''Posco Pratirodha Sangram Samiti'' led by Abhay Sahu, had successfully foiled the attempt of the administration to acquire land forcibly and stalled the entry of the police through formation of a human chain around the village.

Besides, CPI also opposed the allotment of captive mine to Posco, stating that they should procure the iron ore from the state government undertaking Odisha Mining Corporation at the market rate for consumption in the proposed 12 million tonnes steel plant

General Secretary of CPI’s state unit, Dibakar Nayak informed that state level CPI conference which has started from today will continue for four days.

CPI leaders have strongly criticized both the state and Union government for different corruption scandals and scams.

The conference will discuss different issues on industrial policy and agricultural policy of the state.