PUCL,
March 2005
A
fact finding report by Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Rayagada units of PUCL
Atrocity on the people of Kashipur
[ See also, Writ petition against officials responsible for the Maikanch firing Click ]
Background
On receiving information from the media, concerned individuals and organizations
that there has been continuous suppression of voice and rights as well
as torture on the local Tribals-Harijans of different villages under the
Kashipur Block in Rayagada district of Orissa, by the local police/administration
in collusion with some vested interests like politicians, antisocial elements
and officials of Utkal Alumina International Limited, a decision was taken
by the People's Union For Civil Liberty (PUCL), Cuttack unit on 16.0105
to go for a fact finding mission along with the members of PUCL Unit of
Bhubaneswar and Rayagada to find out the truth behind such allegations.
Accordingly, a team comprising the following members visited the Kashipur
area on 26th and 27th January 2005 and interacted with cross sections
of the people, local police as well as authorities of Utkal Alumina International
Ltd. and gathered first hand information as follows. It may be mentioned
here that the tribals and other local people of Kashipur block have been
agitating against the proposed establishment of an alumina project there
by M/s Utkal Alumina International, fearing massive displacement and loss
of their livelihood.
The team had given prior information to the Raygada district administration
about their proposed visit.
Composition of team members
1. Prasanta Kumar Jena, Secretary PUCL Unit, Cuttack & Advocate Orissa
High Court.
2. Sanjeeb Chakravarty, Member PUCL Unit, Cuttack & Advocate
Orissa High Court.
3. Niranjan Panigrahi, Member PUCL Unit, Cuttack & Advocate
Orissa High Court.
4. Niranjan Panda, Member PUCL Unit Bhubaneswar & Advocate
Orissa High Court.
5. Rabindra Nath Pattnaik, Convenor-Member, PUCL Unit,
Rayagada.
Version of the villagers of Kucheipadar and some
other villages
On reaching Kucheipadar, the team came to know that this is the village
which has been putting a formidable resistance from the beginning against
establishment of the Alumina Industry in the area.
We called the villagers at one place, disclosed our identity and wanted
to know the reasons for their resistance, the consequences of it and the
alleged atrocities on them. For this purpose the team adopted the method
of asking the men, women, children the same questions to cross check their
version on the issue at different places. They said Krushna Saunta of
their village had played a pioneering role initially in motivating the
people against the Company but now he has become the agent of the company
and sabotaging peoples movement there. The company people have become
successful in trapping Krushna, but since Krushna had no influence now,
they did not care him.
It is pertinent to mention here that it was the Republic Day on 26th January
2005, when we reached Kucheipadar village, and we were little surprised
to see that a black flag was hoisted in the village and as to the reasons
thereof, on behalf of about 100 - 150 villagers who gathered there Bhagban
Majhi explained that they do not feel themselves to have achieved independence
in anyway. Repeated attempts have been made by the Company and Govt. to
deprive them of their right to livelihood and peaceful living condition
by acquisition of their land and establishment of the industry on their
land which will not only create environment pollution but will result
in the stoppage/drying up of the perennial source of water streams. People
gathered around the team and raised questions as to how they are independent
when they are not able to freely go to the local market or any other place,
out of fear of assault, arrest and implication in false cases by the police.
They said whosoever opposes the establishment of industry has to definitely
bear the consequences once he is known as an anti-Industry activist. The
people gave many instances (mentioned subsequently) when they have been
assaulted, picked up, threatened and booked under the sections of penal
law meant for grievous offences of serious consequences. When right to
speech and expression as well as right to free movement has been denied
to them by the police/administration, they are unable to understand how
they are independent. As they are not able to go out of their village,
out of fear of Tikiri PS, their source of earning from the land and
market is highly affected. They said that for last three years they
have been hoisting the black flag on the occasion of Republic Day as a
mark of protest against the UAIL and Govt.
Tulsi Naik of Tikirapara village present there narrated her experience
by saying that she used to sell dry fish, soap in different villages as
well as in the local market -Tikiri. A few days back when she was in her
way to the Tikiri market, two youths near Doraguda obstructed her and
threatened to assault her saying that there would be lathi charge, firing
and assault on her as she is participating in the 'Andolan' against the
industry. Superisingly, though the officer-in-charge of Tikiri PS was
also there with those youths, did not protect Tulsi or protest against
such action of those culprits. The villagers say that the Tikiri PS (OIC)
has been acting as an agent of the Company. Tulsi further said that now
she has stopped going to the Dangasil Sunday market for her business out
of the fear of being assaulted and arrested. The villagers in Kucheipadar
expressed their sufferings by saying that after the incident of 1st December
2004 (detailed below) they have!
stopped going to the local market as police is after them to randomly
arrest.
Bhagaban Majhi of Kucheipadar narrated the incidents of police atrocities
which was also corroborated by other villagers present during visit of
the team. According to them on 7 September 2004, the Collector, Rayagada
came to the Utkal Alumina plant site to lay the foundation of a new police
outpost near D. Karol village. The nearby villagers, when came to know
of the establishment of an police outpost, apprehending further increase
in police atrocity they decided to protest against the same. Accordingly,
there was spontaneous response/reaction from the nearby villagers of Kucheipadar,
D. Korol, Bagirijhola, Bariaguda, Turli, Nuapada, Anger, Tikiripada and
villagers numbering about one thousand congregated near the proposed site
of police outpost on 07.09.04 and requested the Collector not to go ahead
with the proposed police outpost as the villagers are peace loving and
there are no records of violence, rape or commission of other crimes which
would justify the establishment of another police outpost in the area.
Rather, the establishment of another police out post would increase the
tension in the area instead of pacifying it.
The Collector expressed his inability to help the people as, according
to him, the decision was taken at a higher level in the government. People
also expressed their displeasure about establishment of a new outpost
which according to them is otherwise illegal as the same is set up without
approval of the Gram Sabha.
On 8th September 2004 Sanjukta Saant, the sarpanch of Kucheipadar gave
in writing to the Collector, Rayagada expressing/ventilating the grievance
of the local people against establishment of the proposed police outpost
in their area. According to him since there is no law and order problem
there is no need for establishing a police outpost there.
After 07.09.04 police forces were deployed in the village D. Korol. On
1st December 2004, the SP, Rayagada came with CRP forces to D. Korol.
On that date about 1000 people from different villages such as Dimundi,
Korol, Nuagada, Kucheipadar and others gathered near the plant site for
a "Rasta Roko Programme" in protest against the establishment
of police outpost. A meeting was held there at about 3 P.M. Eight platoon
of police force, leaving their vehicles at Nuapada came to the meeting
place with arms and surrounded the place.
In the meeting Sabita, Bhagaban Majhi, Haladhara Naik, Bhaskar Naik and
others explained their grievances and plan for nonviolent protest against
the establishment of police outpost and they wanted to discuss the matter
with the authorities present there. To their surprise the Magistrate present
there asked the villagers in the hand mike to go back to their villages
and vacate
the road and just after the Magistrate made the announcement, the Officer-in-Charge,
Tikiri Police Station became violent and shouted loudly "You nonsense
tribals go away or will face the consequence".
Jalita Majhi, a girl of about 18 years narrated her experience that "OIC
Tikiri PS shouted in loud voice at the young women asking them to leave
the place or else they would be raped". He further told the women
folk
"when you are in the habit of sleeping with your father and brother,
what is wrong if you are raped by us". Some of the forces also started
abusing the women folk in filthy language threatening them to rape. On
hearing this and apprehending/sensing some danger the older women came
to the front pushing the young ones to the back and some of the women
became naked challenging the police force and OIC Tikiri to commit rape.
They thought that probably the police force would go back leaving them
peacefully to end the meeting which was almost going to be closed in the
late hours of the afternoon.
Ambai Majhi, an old woman of Kucheipadar, narrated her experience on the
same date by saying that there was not previous plan to be naked but same
was an outcome of spontaneous reaction from the older woman when they
were abused and threatened to be raped by the police force present there.
The team members wanted to know about any such previous plan to be naked
before the police to which women gathered there denied but it was admitted
by Ambai that she had heard about the Manipuri women's way of protest
which was told to them in one meeting. After some of the old women became
naked for a while, the police force present there started pelting stones
to the gathering followed by tear gas cell firing and lathi charge.
When there was brutal attack from the police the gathering started dispersing but still there were agitators who without leaving the place seated there peacefully and challenged the police force by saying that they might be killed but they would not leave their land and their cottages at any cost. Kanchan Majhi of Kucheipadar and Shrimandi Sari of the same village told that although a few lady police constables were present at the spot and some of them caught hold of a few woman agitators but by and large it is the gents police force who assaulted the ladies who were about 300 in numbers. Shimandi herself was assaulted by gent force.
It is admitted by them that while some protesters/agitators were dispersing
after the lathi charge and tear gas cell firing, some of them returned
the dead tear gas cell towards the police force. In the assault of the
police force by lathi. Kanchan Majhi, Adei Majhi, Bangari Majhi, Tulasi
Majhi, Kesari Majhi, Puspa, Srimay Majhi, Naika Majhi (all ladies) were
injured. Similarly about 20-25 male persons were arrested and injured
among whom Pabitra Nayak (Dimundi), Uma Majhi, Kucheipadar, Saroj Nayak
(Iudoka Bahal), Adei Majhi, Bangari Majhi and Mukuna Dhisari were there.
Subsequently, Adei Majhi was released on bail but others numbering around
18 are still in
side jail. As per the information available with the team cases under
Sec 450, 395, 397,147, 294, 427, 436.506 and 149 of CRPC with punishment
of even life imprisonment have been registered against these people accusing
them of trespassing into houses, committing dacoity, robbery, setting
in fire, criminal intimidation etc.
Their bail applications have been rejected in the lower courts and are
now pending in the High Court. It is alleged by the villagers that though
the above persons were injured by police assault, they were not given
any medical treatment and sent to custody. Even the police forces did
not spare a old man of 80 years namely Kamala Nayak of Korol. His co-villagers
were also severely assaulted. In the same evening, hearing the police
assault many people gathered in Koral Mokja near Padai Medical and the
decision was taken by the people to help the injured, take steps to release
the person in
custody and to take further decision in the next meeting to be held on
07.12.04. Before the meeting on 07.12.04 the police force were moving/patrolling
in different village and threatening people against
attending the meeting of 07.12.04. Police prevented people at main entry
points at Dasmantpur, Maikanch and Tikiri but in spite of that about
500 people gathered at Kucheipadar Korunatoa and decided for "Jail
Bharo
Andolon".
Even just before the meeting on 07.12.04 police illegally prevented the
people from going to the place of meeting and forcibly snatched the motor
cycle of one Bhaskar Naik of D. Karol and a number of bicycles, which
are yet to be released. The people stated that after the incident of 1st
December there was a reign of terror in all the villages and police atrocity
continued for about a month and within this period the people had tough
time as they were prevented by such reign of terror from moving freely
to their agriculture fields, place of work and market places. On 05.12.04
Duryo Dora of Tikiripada was arrested in Dangasil market where two platoon
police forces entered and randomly searched for the alleged agitators.
Similarly, Lokanath Nayak and Navin Nayak of village Khurigaon who are
the office bearers of "Sasubohumali Surakshya Samiti" were picked
up by the police from their houses and were arrested. Another young boy
namely Jagannath Sahu, aged about 18 years, was picked up by the police
near Tikiri bus stand while going to fill up his BSE (matriculation) form
on the way from his village, was assaulted and sent to jail custody. Similarly,
Bhubani Gouda of
Lachhiguda was arrested when coming on his bicycle and the bicycle along
with his household article was forcibly taken away by the police.
After the meeting on 07.12.04 Central Reserve Police Forces marched in
the villages of Bagrijhola, Haridaspur and Taladeska which added to the
panic of the people. According to the villagers the police march was made
to create an atmosphere of terror and restrict the movement of the people
who protest against the establishment of Alumina Industry as well as the
additional police outpost. Nath Jhodia of Bagrijhola shared his experience
by telling that on 08.12.04 about two platoons of police force came to
their village and asked him why he was participating in the agitation
and they marched through Nuapada, Dimundi, Bagrijhola villages.
The people alleged that the police has been forcing the people to give
in writing/ undertaking that they will not go to the agitation programmes
and not to oppose the company. Such campaign of the police has been made
in Tikirapada, Lachiguda, Hadiguda, Dimundi, Vitalka and Muskai villages.
During their campaign of massive and indiscriminate arrest, police arrested
Bulka Maniaka of Barigaon. Bulka is one of the leading person of Basundhara
Suraksya Samiti, Barigaon, Pipalpadar under Laxmipur Panchayat. There
is allegation that Bulka was severely assaulted by the police after arrest.
On 15.12.04 about four platoons of police force were deployed in nearby
villages around the Plant site. On the same night police went inside the
villages and continued to threat the people to face the consequence in
the event they came out and attend the next day's gathering for observing
'Saheed Divas' (An occasion of remembering the three persons Abhilash
Jhodia, Damodar Jhodia & Raghunath Jhodia who were killed in police
firing at Maikanch on 16.12.200 in course of the agitation against the
establishment of Alumina Company). On 16.12.04, police forces blocked
the main entry points of Maikanch, Dasmantpur and Tikiri and prevented
people from going to the meeting spot to observe Saheed Divas. In spite
of such prevention a large number of people around 3000 people reportedly
attended the meeting held at Bagrijhola, but for the reasons best known
to police was not there in Bagrijhola on that occasion. In that meeting
many volunteers and social activist from outside the area had attended.
Among those who were present Dr. Biswajit Ray and Indu from Sarvodaya
Mandal, Trinath Sabar and Tripati Gomanga (CP1-ML) ,Bhala Sarangi and
Budha Gamanga from Lok Sargran Manch and Hara Bania of Samajwadi Jana
Parishad shared the feeling of the local people in the said meeting. The
meeting was totally not biased or influenced by any political party and
the concerned expressed about the danger of life and livelihood of thousands
of poor tribals for the proposed Alumina Industry.
In the meeting the people demanded
- Retention of the land and house of tribals and
- Provision for supply of water to the agriculture field
through construction of small water reservoirs to improve the economy of the people since enough water is available in the area.
The hunt for assault and arrest continued and in the process Uma Shankar
Majhi, Trinath Majhi, Santi Majhi and Sarbeswar Majhi were also arrested.
On 18.12.04 police arrested one Babu of Kucheipadar at the Tikiri Hospital
where he was attending his injured pregnant sister.The only allegation
against Babu was that he bad participated in the December 16th rally.
On 20.12.04, the police is stated to have arrested Trinath, Uma Shankar
and Shanti Majhi and detained Samrai, Sarbeswar Nabin and threatened to
fire on them below the knee. They were released after 24 hours only when
they gave assurance out of fear that they will not participate in the
anti-Industry campaign. It is alleged that the police threatened Hemalata
Majhi to surrender herself and her son before the police and declare that
in future they will not participate in the agitation against the company,
or else her husband (who is working as a teacher in Kocha Muhin in Rayagada
Block) will be arrested and punished and ultimately lose his service.
She stated that in 1999 her husband was arrested, put under custody for
15 days and was suspended from service for protesting against establishment
of the Alumina industry. On 15.01.04 about 40 policemen went to village
Siriguda and threatened the villagers to go and surrender (surrender in
this context means that villagers would give in writing that they will
not agitate against the company) voluntarily or else they will face the
consequence. Police also
went to the house of Gada Jhodia of Dimundi and cautioned him not to
attend the meeting of anti-industry group.
Version of family members of sitting MLA Sri Anantram Majhi
Rajmani Raj Kumari Majhi (about 50 years) is the wife (first wife) of
the sitting MLA Anantram Majhi from Laxmipur constituency (from Congress
Party). She expressed her dissent opinion with her husband on the issue
and stated that they do not want the company at the cost of their land.
Her daughter Kanaklata Majhi also does not want the industry as according
to her the tribals have no other source of livelihood except their land
and forest. She said that by nature the tribals are simple and their life
style is different from others and industry would not only change their
culture but also take the source of livelihood from the tribals. She said
that she does not agree with her father who favours the establishment
of industry and she has expressed her opinion but same is not cared for.
She narrated her horrible experience of 1st December 2004 meeting where
she was chased by the drunken police force, but she could manage to reach
her village anyhow and was injured in the lathi charge.
On 24.01.05 when Gopinath Majhi and Punia Majhi of Bhariguda village were
going near Pankapadar Chhak, where construction work of the road of the
UAIL was going on, the SI/other police person of Dangasil outpost came
out and warned that whosoever comes to stop or protest against such construction
of work of the company shall be arrested and booked under law. In this
construction work people from Tikirpada, Gulmijhola and Kintapadar, Dongasil
(about 100 in number) were engaged and the contractor told Gopinath and
Punia that if local labourers/people will not cooperate, then he will
bring the labourers from outside. It is the impression of the villagers
of Kucheipadar and some of other villages that the OIC of Tikiri PS is
acting as a henchman of Utkal Alumina Industries Ltd.
Regarding reported popular support for the establishment of alumina
project the villagers of Kucheipadar and other villages reported that
it is a fact that around more than 5000 people attended the pro-industry
rally organised by the major political parties recently in November 04,
but all these people were the supporters of the political parties carried
from out side the area by arranging vehicles and good food for them. Only
a handful party supporters were there from the locality. Besides, the
RDC, Berhampur, even though has not visited Kashipur even once nor has
met the local people, surprisingly has given a statement that local
people favour establishment of industry in Kashipur.
Version of the villagers of Ramibeda
The team went to village Ramibeda in the afternoon of 26.01.05. As per
the version of Padmanav Majhi of the village there are 30 household in
the village comprising of about 120-130 people. Agriculture is the only
source of livelihood of the people. They cultivate rice, mandia, suan,
biri as single crop. In the high level fields babul, bajra, kandul are
also cultivated and most of the villagers used to cultivate as share croppers.
According to Padmanava, people of this village do not cooperate with the
Anti-Company campaign and they admitted that a portion (land) of the village
has been acquired by the company. We met another person namely Naba Majhi
who was reluctant to express any opinion whether there should be industry
or not. But we were informed that one Pabitra Sethi of the that village
was put in jail for protesting against the company, but later on, released
and people are tightlipped in the matter.
The team tried to talk with the other villagers present there, but all
of them avoided to speak anything about the controversy.
Version of villagers of Dimundi
The team reached Dimundi in the evening of 26th January 2005. Most of
the villagers were present in the village and gathered around the team.
According to them the village comprises of about 45 household of around
150 people who totally depend upon agriculture and on this agricultural
income they somehow manage to live on for the whole year. The village
is surrounded by agricultural field having water facilities and in some
fields they use to cultivate double crop. Kumipadar Naik, a villager of
Dimundi expressed that people do not want industry over their land and
house, but if the assurance and guarantee of providing job to each member
of the family is given with adequate compensation then they will not object
to establishment of the industry there. This version of Kumipadar was
supported by Chitrasena Naik, Madhav Jhodia & others. They all said
"as we are illiterate we have to accept whatever the company says
or else our land will be acquired and we will not be paid anything if
we do not support the establishment of the industry". The villagers
further said one Dambaru Ghasi has become a 'goonda' of Tikiri and he
is one of the main campaigner on behalf of the UAIL to pressurise the
villagers to accept money and give up their lands.
A lady named Khudomani Naik expressed that she was badly assaulted by
the police in lathi on the 1st December 2004 rally. She firmly told that
they do not want to give up their land at any cost. Another lady present
there expressed that even if her husband and others leave their land she
will protest against it and if her house is acquired, she will rather
commit suicide. Regarding the role of police the villagers said that the
police tells them not to support the agitators (anti-Industry people).
Although police has made no ill treatment inside their village, they are
still afraid of the police and find no courage to face them or express
their real opinion before them. They say that they are very much afraid
of their arrest and confinement inside custody in false cases where the
possibilities of getting out in bail is remote and the whole process requires
a lot of expenditure. After the December 1st agitation they are so afraid
of the police that whenever they get information of police coming to their
village, the male members of the village used to run and hide themselves
in the nearby hills and women remain inside their houses closing the doors.
Even the persons volunteering to bring the arrestees from the police station
are also arrested and implicated in false cases.
To give instances of police repression they said that on 17.01.05 when
a young lady named Nirmala Jhodia of D. Koral was taking her bath in the
nearby stream, three police men putting on underwears only gradually proceeded
towards her, for which she ran screaming towards her village. At the relevant
time Ratha Jhodia and Tankadhar Jhodia of Dimundi who were working in
that place during that time as daily labourers protested such act but
they were severely beaten by the police and they could manage to escape
from the spot by jumping the wire fences with high risks. The matter was
informed to the officer-in-charge of Tikiri police but they have no knowledge
what happened thereafter.
Both Ratha Jhodia and Tankadhar Jhodia were present during the meeting
and supported the version.
Janu Jhodia & others told that Dambru Ghasi and one Samal Babu used
to visit their village on behalf of the UAIL to persuade the villagers
to accept compensation or else it will be forfeited. Dambru is a muscle
man from Tikiri and he at times threatens the poor innocent villagers.
They used to say that the land you (villagers) are possessing are not
of yours but belongs to the Government, so take money or else it will
be forfeited. They alleged that Tikiri police warns them not to go to
other villages and not to mix with the agitators.
The villagers said that today (26.01.05) the ward member, Bhubani Jhodia
has been taken by Shantisila (a men from Dimundi) to somewhere saying
that Krushna Mohapatra (an influential man encroaching huge lands and
a Pro Industry man) wanted to meet Bhubani. The villagers were very much
apprehensive of the incident.
Version of villagers of Kendukhunti
About 45 families live in this village totally depending upon mixed crop
in their field. Barring 4-5 families others are having their own agriculture
land. In summer some people of the village use to go outside for their
engagement as labourer for a month or two. If a little facility of water
will be provided to their field, they will not prefer to go outside in
summer also. In the past villagers like Abhiram Naik, Niranjan Naik, Ugrasen,
Daya Naik, Lalu Naik had protested against the establishment of the company
and in Ungra, Daya and Lalu were arrested and they had to spend a lot
of money to come out of the custody.
People of the village admitted that about ten years before they have
received some money in the first installment from the company and in the
second installment they are demanding Rs. 2 lakh per acre. Duryodhan
Naik stated that he has received. Rs. 19,000/- in the first installment
and Rs. 1,85,732/- in second installment for Ac. 2.36 decimal of la nd
acquired for the purpose of establishment of the company. He stated that
towards the house and the homestead land, he has received Rs. 60,000/-
but according to him the amount is not satisfactory and more amount should
have been paid. People stated that initially Rs. 32,600/- as compensation
was fixed per acre but it is much less an amount for which there is demand
to pay Rs. 2 lakh per acre of land but neither Government nor company
is taking care of their grievance. People of Kendukhunti stated that there
is no atrocity or oppression by the police in the village, but the broker
and some officials of the Company are persuading them to immediately receive
the determined compensation or else it will lapse. The team members also
saw the people holding cheques received from the company.
The villagers stated that anti-industry group does not give any threat
to them, but in one incident in past the 'Sangrami's (people agitating
against the establishment of the Company) had come in a group and partially
damaged a few houses and cut down paddy forcibly from some of their agriculture
field.
When the team members wanted to know about their preference between their
agricultural field and industry, all of them agreed to retain their land
and household rather than giving the same even at a good price to the
company. They say when establishment of industry does not depend upon
their opinion, they have to accept such establishment and bargain is the
only way at the moment. Villagers Laloo Naik, Ugrasen Naik, Patra Naik,
Balmuda Naik, Dhana Naik, Khurla Naik even expressed their opinion that
they are also prepared now to return the money and retain their land,
if company decides to go back and asks them to return the amount paid
to them.
Interestingly the women folk of Kendukhunti are totally against relinquishing
their land and household in favour of the industry. They say if today
Company takes a decision to withdraw, they are ever ready to return the
amount they received from the company. An old women voluntarily came out
saying that her husband and son are in favour of alienating their land
to the Company, but in reality if their land and house will be taken,
she will commit suicide. Rajamani Naik is another lady who expressed her
disapproval of alienating land at any cost in favour of the company.
Village
- D - Korol (Upper Sahi)
This village comprises of 250 houses. According to the villagers about
750 acres of their land are proposed to be acquired for the purpose of
the industry. In the 1st phase of payment in the year 1996 Rs. 21,000/-
per acre (lowest category) was paid to the villagers whose lands are required
to be acquired by the company for its industry. People said for Bahalapanki
(do phasali) the amount was fixed at Rs. 72,000/- and for the lands under
bana and banakhari Rs. 52,000/- was fixed for compensation. People said
that in the 2nd phase a few days ago they received compensation for their
lands although till date they are in possession and cultivating the same.
People of D. Korol strongly demand for some benefit as are given to the
displaced persons by the Government under the rehabilitation package.
People said their struggle against the establishment of company has suffered
a set back as police entangled the leaders in a number of false cases
and searching for them to arrest and send to custody. Bhaskar Naik said
that while he was returning in his motor cycle it was snathched away by
the police on the
false allegation that he was in the rally on 01.12.04 and till date the
same could not be recovered from the police custody, as he apprehends
arrest once he goes to Tikiri Police Station.
Narsi Murty and Salman Chhatri alleged that their cycles have been seized
by the police on the allegation of their participation in the rally organised
against the company a few days back. The villagers said when the local
people repeatedly protested against the industry and demanded its withdrawal
the Collector, Rayagada had suggested to form a 14 members committee to
discuss their problem but practically no initiative was taken on behalf
of the administration for any such discussion. They complained that the
OIC, Tikiri Police Station is using his power much beyond the law and
they are of the impression that to suppress the voice of people he has
been given some special power. They say that OIC has continuously given
the
message that whosoever he may be if he goes out of own village and join
in any anti-industry campaign he shall be dealt with strongly.
Although many villagers advanced serious allegations against the behaviour
and acts of OIC of Tikiri police station and the reserve police forces,
those villagers did not disclosed their identity with the fear that if
it will be reported/published, they will be implicated in false cases.
The people said that the police is hand in glove with the company, use
to visit every village in plain clothes in regular intervals to take note
of the activities of anti-industry people. They further alleged that in
Dimundi people have been induced to accept compensation by giving liquor
to them.
Village
D. Korol Tala Sahi
This is the village which is going to be completely acquired (both the
houses and agriculture land) by the UAIL. This village comprises of 90
families with a population of about 500. About 85 acres of land is going
to be acquired by the company. The villagers said that in 1996 they got
compensation of Rs. 21,300 per acre which according to them is too meager
for them. They said that they have no objection now if the industry is
established there but the company needs to execute agreement with each
major individuals of the village ensuring jobs for them and their heirs.
They admitted that Rs. 10,000/- in average per household has been paid
to them as damage/compensation. But they are not at all happy with the
current package of rehabilitation/compensation measure of the company.
They said that the company is not agreeing to execute individual agreement
regarding their demand as aforesaid and they do not know what to do if
the company refuses to such a demand. They say that even though they had
some grievance against the company they are afraid of the police who may
take action against them. People of this village said that they have accepted
the compensation from the company conditionally. Even though they protest,
no one is listening to them. Some of the villagers said that the
agricultural land of the villagers are being acquired by the company leaving
aside their houses in the village. For this reason they are being paid
the
compensation at a much lower rate unlike those whose houses and lands
are totally acquired by the company.
About the role of police, even though at one end of the vilage some of
the villagers stated that there is no arrest or atrocity by the police
in the village, in course of the discussion, the villagers at other points
of the village said that police is collecting the name of the persons
giving speeches in the anti-industry meetings and attending the meetings,
followed by FIR, institution of number of false cases. People are so afraid
of the cases that those who narrated the grievance did not want to disclose
their names. The villagers said that they have been terrorised at gun
point by the police.
The villagers narrated the incident (happened a few days back) of Nirmala
who while taking her bath in the nearby stream saw three reserve police
personnel with under wears only approaching towards her and she ran towards
the village screaming in fear. When the matter spread, the villagers strongly
protested saying "you took our forest, land and livelihood, now you
are out to take our women also !" but they were threatened of arrest
and implication in cases. The team tried to meet the victim, Nirmala but
the parents and other villagers didn't agree to it saying that they didn't
know the exact identity of the team and what for they were collecting
this information and why should an unmarried girl talk to them on such
a matter; it would be too embarrassing for her. Besides, they were also
afraid that the police may be further vindictive towards the girl if they
come to know of it. One Moharana (first name not known) of the reserve
police deployed there even openly declared to rape women by forcing into
each house of the village.
The villagers said that the reserve police forces are creating all types
of
nuisance upon consuming liquor. Villagers said that some people are paid
compensation in a drunken state and the Company people are instrumental
in making them drunk . Overall people said that they do not have any democratic
rights and they do not have the courage to express their opinion freely
out of the fear of police.
Versions
of the villagers of Bagrijhola
There are about 150 families in this village with a population of around
800-900. Already 67 acres of agricultural land has been acquired in this
village for the purpose of industry. Villagers stated that although notices
were issued to them to accept compensation for acquisition of their agriculture
land but they had not responded, but the company people continued to persuade
them by saying that unless they accept money (towards compensation), it
will be deposited in the court. Even the Company carried some of the people
in drunken state by vehicles to Rayagada and in presence of the police
paid them the compensation. One such person is Natha Jani. People stated
that their acceptance of compensation is purely conditional. They stated
that one Satyban Samal of the Company initially approached the villagers
a few years back giving an impression that they want to help the villagers
in doing fish culture and for that incentive will be given; but as people
did not agree, he tried to persuade them for duck rearing units (Bataka
Palana Kendra).
As the villagers did not agree to any of his proposal for want of money, he assured the people to provide money. When the villagers wanted to know on whose behalf he is coming, he did not disclose his identity or the name of the Company. In the subsequent stage when Samal Babu with the help of few local people came to survey, the people in the village again asked him the purpose of survey and from him came to know that a industry was going to be established on their land. When those company people started checking the flow of water from the hill, people protested apprehending losing the land, water and house and what not? Even notices for compensation used to be given to the people without prior consultation and without the knowledge of the people for what reason compensation are going to be paid. Regarding the police activities in the area the people narrated that on 06.12.04 about 80-90 policemen marched in the village to terrorise the people of the consequence of attending! the next day's (7.12.2004) meeting of agitators.
On 12.12.04 when Chitrasen Bag, a villager had been to Rayagada for his personal work, police arrested him by getting information from the Company agents. Chitrasen Bag is a retired army personnel and in his name police has lodged case U/s 147/148/341/623/506/114/149 IPC in GR Case No. 115/04. Jaganath Sahu, a young boy was arrested on 12.12.04 and it is alleged that both Chitrasen and Jagannath were ill treated inside police custody. On 14.12.04 there was again police march past in the village road as a mark of caution to those who are supposed to attend the meeting to be held on the 16.12.04. Villagers firmly stated that when three of them have already laid their life for their cause (killed in police firing on 16.12.04 in Maikanch Chhak) they will not allow the industry to take possession of their land.
They admitted that out of fear of police atrocities, they are not able
to raise their voices against the industry . They said there has been
cases lodged against Natha Jani, Shankar Muduli, Turungi Muduli (women),
Narendra Jhodia. The above named women said weeping 'where shall we go
if the company ousted us". Nath Jani said he is not able to go outside
out of fear of arrest by the police. The people said out of such fear
of arrest the male members are not going outside the village and only
those persons who go and surrenders before the police giving undertaking
that he will not agitate against establishment of company are allowed
to move freely. They allege that being tutored by police, number of complaints
have been lodged against them by company henchmen like Ananda Naik of
Tala D. Korol. Even the ladies said that as they had joined the last agitation,
police is targeting them for which out of the fear of arrest they also
do not move outside their village. Kabir Naik and Turungi Muduli expressed
that the villagers are afraid of arrest mainly for assault by police after
arrest, false cases instituted against them for which getting out of bail
is remote and a lot of money is required to fight for the case.
Villagers said that they are able to cultivate double crop in a year as
there is already a small water reservoir/dam there to which the water
flow perennially from the hills. Since, the agriculture is some how good
in the area and opportunities for work is available, villagers do not
choose to go outside for engagement. There are also people in the villages
who work as share-croppers, but overall the village is self-sufficient.
At present the villagers are paying the rent for the lands already recorded
in their favour, but no rent receipt is given in respect of the lands
for which compensation has already been paid to them.
Mainly people expressed that if water facility and other incentives for
agriculture are provided to them adequately their economic condition is
sure to improve very fast.
Version
of the officials of UAIL
The team visited the temporary plant site of Utkal Alumina International
Ltd. On expressing our intention to Deputy General Manager (Project) Sri
Ardhendu Sekhar Mohapatra readily expressed his willingness to clarify
the points as raised by the team in the following anner. Besides this,
he had his opinion on the establishment of the industry and the ongoing
agitation. It may be noted that a new police outpost has been set up inside
the plant site premises.
Sri Mohapatra stated that about 10-12 years back the project of establishing
an Alumina Industry and refinery in the area started and it was then a
joint venture of Alkan-Indal companies, but now the share of Indal has
been purchased by Aditya Birla Group. He stated that till date 2500 Acres
of land in the area has been acquired by the company. He admitted that
one village namely Ramibeda is going to be completely displaced under
the project and other two villages namely D. Korol (Tala Sahi) and Kendukhunti
will be partly affected. In the process 24 villages will also be affected.
He categorically stated that the village Kucheipadar from which strong
resistance is received is not going to be affected in anyway.
He stated that the company as a matter of policy never want to acquire
the land forcibly against the wishes of the people for which it has been
decided to leave out the agriculture field of the village Kucheipadar
within the project area. He emphatically stated that the company has been
patiently waiting for all these years to convince the people and is ready
to make any dialogue at anytime regarding the grievance of the people.
When the team asked about the allegation that the people were given liquor
and carried in company vehicle and paid some money without their full
knowledge of their land being acquired, Mr. Mohapatra told that these
are baseless allegations and if the same is proved, he will relinquish
his job in the company. He
stated that he being an Oriya has been purposefully deputed to the plant
site to deal with the situation and convince the people.
Regarding the demand of the people of D. Karol for execution of agreement
with each individual regarding rehabilitation/compensation measures for
acquisition of land, he said already the package of compensation has been
declared by the Company after due deliberation with the Govt. and there
is no necessity now for executing individual agreement at this stage but
i!
f such proposal is given to the company, it may be considered. Accord
ing to Mr. Mohapatra initially company has determined Rs. 21,300/- as
compensation for one acre of land of lowest category (Atta) but it has
been increased to minimum of Rs, 1,00,000/- per acre. He insisted that
this is the only Company which assures a job to each male member of a
family above 18 years of age in the displaced villages. The company has
already provided employment opportunity for 1000 people at a daily wage
of Rs. 60/- per day .
He stated that after the firing and killing of three villagers on 16.12.00
in Maikanch, the company had stopped its work but since last two years
it has again started moving ahead with the project.
Mr. Mohapatra explained that since the nearby hills are barren there is
no question of huge destruction of forest as propagated, on the other
hand the company is taking steps for plantation to ensure better environment.
When questioned about the future of the area/hills after bauxite is extracted,
he explained that the mining activity will continue for generations. He
said though initially the company has been given lease for a particular
hill (Baphli Mali) which will take about 60-70 years, but gradually the
company will venture into the other hills having bauxite deposits. Regarding
allegation of the permanent stoppage of perennials streams, Mr. Mohapatra
completely disagreed by saying that the process of Alumina extraction
is very systematic and as soon as the earth is extracted from a particular
area of the hills, the same area will be filled up with late rite stones
which bears a better character of water percolation and the water deposit
in the hills will be more than what it was before extraction. He gave
the example of Damonjodi where, according to him it has been proved to
be successful. Mr. Mohapatra stated that there was an open house meeting
in January 2005 wherein the Sarpanches, ward members and other being present
have expressed their opinion in favour of the company to the RDC.
Another meeting was convened by the Collector, Rayagada and the Revenue
Officers have attempted to convince the villagers of Kuchiepadar but the
villagers have misbehaved with those officers for which company has
taken decision not to touch the land either homestead or agriculture of
the Kucheipadar. Sri Mohapatra said that he and the other employee, Satyaban
Samal had been manhandled by the Sangrami's (agitators) in the year 1995.
Mr. Mohapatra stated that till 2003, the company had made
it clear before the Govt. that in case the local people do not want, the
company will back out of the project. But since the gramsabhas have
approved in favour of the project, he thinks people really want the
establishment of industry there, but out of the fear created by a small
section of the people called Sangramis (agitators), some people are saying
against the company.
The company according to him is going to provide 480 Sq. foot of pucca
building and 10 decimals of land to the would be completely displaced
persons. When asked about the future of good number of illiterate tribals,
who can not be engaged in a industry which is mainly based on sophisticated
technologies requiring skilled personnel, Mr. Mohapatra could give no
convincing answer but said that villagers would be engaged in the guest
houses, greenery-plantations, stores, gardening and as drivers in vehicles
etc. He said already 30 persons are given ITI Training from the area as
the company sincerely wants to keep healthy relationship with the local
people. Amidst discussion, Mr. Mohapatra called a person engaged their
in the plant site (as daily labour) who told the team that he has been
badly assaulted a few days back by the anti -industry people of Kucheipadar.
Version
of officer in charge - Tikiri police station
On afternoon 27th the team had been to the Tikiri Police Station where
they met the OIC, Kishore Chandra Mund. Mr. Mund disclosed that since
he has received a message from the Sub-Collector Rayagada, he was aware
of the visit of the team. He also disclosed that he had gathered the information
about the teams place of night halt on 26.01.05 (at Kucheipadar) and further
morning programme on 27.01.05. According to him his posting in Tikiri
Police Station is about 3 years back and his impression is that local
people sincerely want establishment of the Alumina industry, but outsiders
are instrumental in organising the people against the industry. He stated
that one Saroj Mohanty of Kuchhinda has been motivating the people and
giving inciting speeches, the videotape of which is available with him.
Mr. Mund said that on 19.10.04 there was a rally of anti-industry people
where about 1500-3000 persons were present. Subsequently on 18.11.04 there
was a gathering of all party meeting in the area in favour of the company
where people from BJD, BJP, Cong., BSP were there numbering about 15000.
After the pro-industry rally tension became more intense in the area.
Mr. Mund said on 14.09.04 two villages namely Ramibeda and Kendukhunti
were ransacked by the Sangrami's (Pro industry Agitators). He said that
95% people in the area want industry and only 5% oppose it.
When asked as to why he is asking the people to surrender before him and
is threatening to give an undertaking not to agitate, Mr. Mund denied
the allegation by saying that police is there to maintain law and order
situation and the allegation against him of asking the people to surrender
is false. Mr. Mund said that there was agitation by the people against
establishment of the police outpost near Karol village. As far as his
knowledge goes since 1999 there has been Govt. sanction for establishment
of an police outpost near village Karol, which is taking its shape presently.
When asked why a decision was taken to place the outpost at the plant
site, Mr. Mund said he cannot answer that and his higher authorities can
give the answer. The OIC stated that on 01.12.04, in presence of the Sub
Divisional Magistrate (Sub Collector) and police forces (including 17-18
lady police) the mob was controlled after which several cases were registered
against the agitators and it is obvious that he will arrest the persons
against whom there are
warrants.
Mr. Mund said he is also not taking that much interest to arrest any
person whose arrest according to him will create law and order situation
in the area. About the alleged forcible seizure of motor cycle of Bhaskar
Naik the OIC told that if the owner of vehicle turns up he will take back
his vehicle. When asked that the owner of the is afraid that whenever
he comes to take back his motor cycle he may be arrested the OIC replied
that obviously he would be arrested since there are cases against him.
Asked about the alleged misbehaviour of some reserve policemen to a girl
of D. Karol village the OIC stated that just after the incident he went
to the spot and came to know that the girl out of fear herself came back
to the village on seeing the reserve force but actually there was no attempt
of rape and the allegation is totally false. Regarding the involvement
of outsiders, he named one Rabi Pradhan along with Saroj Mohanty who were
instrumental in fomenting anti-Industry agitation. He requested the team
members to ask those outsiders as to why they have come here leaving their
own area.
In reply when the the team members asked him as to why Gandhiji far away
from India began a movement in South Africa and the PUCL team from outside
have come and visited the area and police station he didn't give any
answer. While denying the allegation that police is terrorising the innocent
villagers and working hand in glove with the company the OIC stated
that the villagers are freely moving in the Tikiri market area. The team
wanted to meet the SP and Collector Rayagada in their residential office
to discuss regarding the issue and waited there for more than two hours
but since both of them were not available meeting with them could not
be possible.
Findings
of the team
1) i) There
has been large scale police repression and atrocities
on the people as reported by the people of each and every village, either
opposed to or not-so-much-opposed to the establishment of the
Company. Besides beating them physically, the police is illegally
detaining people in violation of the Supreme Court's guidelines in D.K.Basu
case, implicating them in false cases and arranging to put them behind
bar to silence their democratic voice of protest and is bent upon harassing
them to the point of submission. As per the detailed information the team
could manage to collect, 18 people have been put to custody by being implicated
in cases under stringent provisions of law, particularly dacoity. It is
a discernible pattern that almost all the the people agitating for their
basic rights of life and livelihood all over the state are invariably
being booked under section 395 of IPC for dacoity punishable with life
imprisonment, which raises reasonable suspicion that these cases are being
deliberately foisted by the police.
ii) The armed police battalions
are making march pasts and patrolling inside the villages to create a
fear psychosis among the people. The police is also harassing people in
market places and in other places of their work by indiscriminately questioning
them, picking them up, detaining them in the police station and beating
them up in the custody also. This has seriously affected the peace, life
and livelihood of the poor tribal people of kashipur area guaranteed under
Art 21 of the Constitution of India as they are afraid of going out to
the market or near by townships and even into their own agricultural fields.
The people are also pressurised by the antisocial elements supposed to
be the supporters of the Company and enjoying the open support of the
police as has come out in the statement of more than one people of different
villages. The people of the area are under a virtual siege.
iii) The police has illegally
snatched away the motor
cycle and bicycles of some people (Bhaskar Naik, Narsi Murty and Salman
Chhatri etc of D.Korol Upper sahi and Bhubani Gouda of Lachhmiguda) and
uses it to trap them for arresting whenever they come to redeem these.
This has been proved from the open admission of the OIC of Tikiri P.S.
iv) The police is openly
threatening people against attending meetings by moving from village to
village and intimidating people to give undertaking that they would never
participate in the anti-industry agitation. This is the glaring infringement
upon the fundamental rights of people to freedom of speech and expression
and peaceful assembly as enshrined under Art 19 of the Constitution of
India.
v) Some particular armed
police personnel (one Sri Maharana) even have threatened to rape the women
by forcing into their houses. The police has threatened the women to rape
them in the open congregations during their agitation on 1.12.2004. The
armed police personnel are also creating nuisance by consuming liquor
in the area. This has been further confirmed by the daughter of the sitting
MLA of the area as she herself was chased by the drunken police men.Regarding
the incident of attempt at sexual harassment of a girl of D.Korol village
on 17.1.2005 as alleged by the people of differrent villages the team
does n't have sufficient fact as to the real intention of the concerned
police men.
But the fact remains that those who have rightly or wrongly protested
against it have been beaten and threatened by them. There should be further
investigation into the incident. Given the track record of nuisance
and audacity of the armed police personnel deployed in any locality all
over the country in the name of maintaining law and order, their raping
or taking liberty with women and oppression on and exploitation of common
man, this type of allegations are believable.
vi) The people's agitation
against establishment of a police outpost fearing further police repression
is quite justified. The motive behind establishment of another police
outpost at the UAIL plant site at D.korol when there is a police station
at Tikiri and police outpost at Dongasil within a distance of around 16
km, particularly in a tribal area, has been rightly questioned by the
local people. The team doubts if there are as much schools and primary
health centres within that surrounding. In the backdrop of people of Kashipur
dying of hunger by eating mango kernel the Govt's attempt to forcibly
establish more police stations sounds ironical.Besides, the establishment
of a police station in a scheduled area like Kashipur without consulting
the concerned Gram Sabhas is a flagrant violation of the spirit of Panchayat
Extension to Scheduled Area Act(PESA) 1996
vii) In view of the above
the agitating tribals of Kashipur can not be faulted if they perceive
the local police as the henchman of the Company. The over zealousness
of the top district police officials and the local police to protect the
interest of the Company in Kashipur area, even going to the extent of
unnecessarily opening fire on the poor tribals and killing them and hatching
conspiracy by changing FIR has been clearly established by the Justcice
P.K.Misra Commission of Inquiry into the Maikanch police firing on 16.12.2000.
viii) Viewing the recent
repression on the tribals of Kashipur and implicating them in false cases
in the light of the Govt's attempt to suppress the findings of Misra Commission
of Inquiry as referred to above and the widely publicised declaration
of the state industries minister, Sri B.B.Harichandan in the last monsoon
session of the Assembly that state govt would arrange to send any one
to jail whosoever opposes the development and establishment of industries
in the state, it can be safely concluded that the police is unleashing
such repression on deliberate instruction of the Government as a matter
of its policy.
2 Regarding the displcement of people, process of land acquisition and support or opposition to establishment of Industry the
team has very limited facts and scope to give any findings. However, it
may give its observations as follows, with whatever facts available with
it:
(i) The most important feature
as observed by the team is that the original inhabitants of area who are
to be widely affected in more than one way on establishment of the Alumina
Industry, more likely, were never consulted before a decision was taken
to bring the industry in the area. On the other hand much after the decision
was taken and work progressed in that regard, the people were attempted
to be duped by the company (agent/employee) that some people have come
to help the local inhabitants and develop their economy by giving incentives
for fisheries etc. Thus, the right of information on a very crucial point
of changing the life pattern of a community was never honoured and there
was no opportunity for the people to ventilate their grievance.
(ii) There was an attempt
to legalise the whole process of establishment of industry by maintaining
the records of land acquisition and at times, issuing notices of land
acquisition without making the affected people understand what it meant.
Attempts were made to make the people accept the compensation anyhow even
in drunken stage, by being carried to Rayagada in the company sponsored
vehicles or by intimidation in the presence of police.
(iii) It appears that at
a latter stage people of a few villages being hopeless of retaining their
land and household against the repression and realising the tentacles
of the company and administration closely around them have somehow resigned
to the idea of establishment of the company and have mentally prepared
in desperation to leave their lands (village - Kendukhunti & Tala
D. Korol) and have started bargaining, as a matter of last resort, for
more compensation and execution of separate agreement with each major
affected persons and for their job guarantee.
(iv)The whole process of
land acquisition in a scheduled tribal area like Kashipur primarily appears
to be illegal as it, prima facie, violates the provisions of Orissa Scheduled
Area Transfer of Immovacble Property (Scheduled Tribes) Regulation, 1956
and also as amended in 2002. Under this regulation the land of tribals
in such tribal areas can not be transferred to non-tribals. The Supreme
Court of India in the famous Samata judgement has ruled that even the
Govt is treated as a non-tribal in a tribal area, not to speak of a private
Company.
(v) Leaving aside the controversy
whether establishment of an Alumina Industry by multinational corporations
in the area (for mining operation) is really needed in the larger interest
of the state or not, the fact remains undisputed that the tribal people
in the area who have been living there for ages peacefully developing
their own culture and special pattern of life style are going to be adversely
affected within a short period of establishment of such industry since,
land, their only source of sustenance, will be taken away.
(vi) In view of the above
the much talked about rights of the tribals in scheduled areas like Kashipur
to peace, self-governance, life and livelihood, preserve and protect their
own culture etc seem to carry no meaning for those likely to be displaced
/ disturbed, as decision is taken to take away such rights some where
else by some others. This can be seen as a glaring example of not only
debarring but also snatching away the most inherent rights of the indigenous
people, in spite of constitutional and legal provisions in this regard.
(vii) The statement of OIC Tikiri PS that 95% of the people are in favour
of establishment of industry and only the outsiders are instigating the
tribals seems to be out of proportion as in that case there would have
been not so much opposition and the matter would not have dragged on so
long. This statement appears to be false and is made probably to justify
his illegal action taken against the people. The team could discernibly
observe that the women were very vociferous and determined in their opposition
against the acquisition of their land even against the wishes of their
man folk in some cases. Even the women members of the sitting MLA's family
are against the alienation of their land as opposed the opinion of the
MLA himself who is known to be in favour of it.
The fact remains that the Govt has never made any attempt to take the opinion of the people in any democratic manner before notifying to acquire their land as provided under law like PESA Act 1996. Regarding the allegation of the presence of outsiders or the support of the outsiders, justifiability of such support or presence can never be questioned since, being citizens of this country they have every right to stay any where they like, support agitate and make aware people on any issue of their concern.
Recommendations
- The team strongly feels that the reign of terror and repression on
people should be immediately stopped. Immediate attempts should be made
to restore the fundamental rights of the people to speech and expression
as well as to decide their own fate and Govt. should honour such opinion
by its positive action. The doors for direct dialogue with the people
on the problem in a free and fearless atmosphere should
remain open and Govt should democratically take the opinion of the
people regarding the acquisition of their land. As a measure for creating a congenial atmosphere and to repose confidence, several cases filed against the anti-industry agitators be immediately withdrawn.
- Action be taken against the OIC Kashipur for his various illegal
actions and he should be taken out of the locality.
- The CRPF and armed police battalion deployed in the area be immediately
withdrawn.
- The establishment of police outpost be immediately stopped and welfare
measures like irrigation, health and education of the people be undertaken.
- More inquiry should be made into the incident of alleged attempt of
sexual harassment of a girl at D.Karol village on 17.1.2005 and action
should be initiated against the concerned police personnel if sufficient
evidence is found.
- The articles snatched away by the police from people should be returned
forthwith and the guilty officials for such snatching be proceeded against.
- Govt should reexamine and reconsider the whole process of land acquisition
in the proposed plant area if it conforms to the letter and spirit of
provisions of Orissa Scheduled Area Transfer of Immovacble Property
(Scheduled Tribes) Regulation, 1956 and also that of as
amended in 2002. If such conformity is not there the land acquisition
process should be abrogated forthwith.
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