CPI asks Odisha govt to withdraw Posco project from area

In a resolution adopted at its national executive meeting being held here, CPI said fresh attempts were being made by Odisha government "to acquire land by force for Posco project by undermining the uncompromising resistance movement by the people of the proposed area."

The party accused Odisha government of making fresh land acquisition moves without taking the people's consent into consideration and avoiding the unanimous resolution passed in recently held "Gram Sabha" against diversion of forest land for Posco project.

"The state government has been unleashing savage repression and violence on people's democratic movement," the resolution said charging the movement under the banner of Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti (PPSS) is being undermined.

Stating that the mines issue was sub-judice, environmental clearance was under suspension and there was no MoU, the Left party said any move by the state government was unlawful and illegal.

Extending solidarity with the anti-Posco movement, CPI asked the state government to refrain from any "anti-people" and violent actions, withdraw the Posco project from the area and allow people to decide their fate.

"The national executive opposes any type of industrialisation at the cost of vibrant agricultural economy," the resolution said.

"We are opposed to farmers' land to be invaded by multi-national companies," CPI national council secretary and MP Gurdas Dasgupta told reporters.