A proposed 'Jail Bharo' agitation by Odisha MLA George Tirky, protesting land acquisition and construction of an ash pond, evoked lukewarm response here today.
The protest was organised under the banner of Advasi and Mulabasi Bchao Manch (AMBM).
Tirky said "I am not against development. But you cannot ignore the causes of the tribals. I am fighting for the cause of tribals."
The district administration had deployed 35 platoons of police force (over 1,000 personnel) at all strategic places including Barkani, Bandhamunda, Bisra and Vedvyas to meet any eventuality, said a police officer.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Rourkela, Subash Jamadar, said "We have deployed our personnel to meet any kind of situation,"
Additional District Magistrate, Rourkela, K Sudarshan Chakrabarthy, said efforts were on to sort out the matter through talks with the agitators.
