November 22, 2008

Police secures POSCO war zone after recent clash

Reuters reported that hundreds of armed police were deployed at the site of POSCO's planned steel plant in Orissa after clashes between supporters and protesters over the project.

The report cited Mr Pradeep Kapoor a senior police official as saying that "The clash occurred in Gobindpur village, where residents are divided over the project."

Villagers however said that at least 3 people were injured in the clashes. They claim it could displace 20,000 people, while the firm and government say it will create jobs in the state.

Meanwhile, Mr Shashanka Patnaik a POSCO spokesman said that "we want the whole project to happen in a peaceful manner and through continuous dialogue. We are ready to discuss with all the people who are opposing and sort out all the differences mutually."

POSCO had earlier said that it could not begin construction work supposed to begin on April 1st 2008 due to procedural delays. It had said that the problems related to obtaining an iron ore mining lease and forest land needed for the plant.

It may be noted that frequent protests have slowed the POSCO project and the government has so far been able to acquire only about a quarter of the required 4,000 acres land.