George Tirkey, Tribal on Jail Bharo Andolan against NSPCL

Thousands of tribal under the leadership of Biramitrapur MLA George Tirkey in the banner of Adivasi Mulavasi Bikash Manch were on dharana at Barkani prayer ground under Bondamunda Police Station from Friday forenoon in protest against the 148 acres of land acquisition for expansion of NSPCL unit.

It may be noted here that to enhance the production capacity from 120 MW to 250 MW the NSPCL (RSP site) is on expansion. That is why for ash pond of the new unit it has started construction work including compound wall near Barkani. Couple of weeks while compound wall construction was going on the tribal protested it. Somehow that time Police succeeded to overpower the agitators.

Again the tribal with strong preparation have been sitting on dharana from morning. According to Tirkey the proposed land has been used by tribal for their residence, cultivation and prayer. Secondly they were not properly rehabilitated though their lands were acquired for RSP. So at no cost they will allow the eviction. Rourkela Sub-Collector, Tahasildar and Addl. SP were present on the spot and till evening no arrest was made.