Attack on Posco-India supporters

By Akhand in Bhubneswar

Anti-project activists in eastern Indian state Orissa went on the rampage today, ransacked a house and intimidated six families perceived to be in support of the south Korean still company Posco following a clash and arrest of one anti-Posco activist.

Prakash Jena,  a member of the Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, a outfit that opposes Posco project in Orissa and is spearheading the anti-Posco movement for the past three years, was initially assaulted by goons. He was rushed to the local hospital.

Police sources said: "There are as many as 10 criminal cases against <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Jena including one in connection with the severing of palm of a Posco supporter. Then he was arrested and produced before a court in an injured state.
Jena has also lodged an complaint against attack on him by unidentified goons and police is investigating the case.
All this triggered violent reaction in the project area with the PPSS suspecting the role of pro-project rivals in the assault on Jena and his subsequent arrest.

Angered by the attack and arrest, PPSS activists surrounded the houses of pro-project families and ransacked the houses.

President of PPSS Mr Abhaya Sahoo threatened to drive away all Posco project supporters from the village for creating such a law and order situation and targeting the anti-Posco activist.
He informed that two check gates have been erected at Govindpur village to check the entry of police and outsiders .