Bhubaneswar, March 29 (Inditop.com) Four years after 14 protesters were killed in police firing in Kalinga Nagar in Orissa’s Jajpur district, the authorities Monday started construction for a common corridor road in an industrial area opposed by local tribals.
About 25 platoons of police forces were deployed as the district administration started construction in Kalinga Nagar industrial area.
“We have started construction work for the common corridor road that is needed for the industry. Many people die in accidents there every year. The road will reduce congestion and minimize accidents,” district Superintendent of Police D.S. Kutte said.
The administration Sunday met the tribals, who were represented by Bisthapan Virodhi Jana Manch (BVJM), to solve the issue of their displacement.
“We are not using force. The discussions are going on, so are the construction works. But anybody found resorting to violence will not be spared. We will certainly take action,” Kutte added.
The 12,000-acre Kalinga Nagar complex, about 100 km away from Bhubaneswar, has about 10 industrial units and steel plants. The BVJM is opposing the construction of common corridor road, considered the lifeline of the Kalinga Nagar industrial hub.
In January 2006, 14 people were killed in Kalinga Nagar in Jajpur district when police opened fire during a protest by villagers against acquisition of land for industry.
