By PRAMOD BOHIDAR, OP
Sambalpur: Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra has warned the Adani Group against alleged high-handedness in the region, saying any attempt to intimidate local residents would invite strong opposition. Speaking at a preparatory meeting organised by Khinda Sangram Samiti at Khinda market in Rengali block, Mishra accused Adani Group, which operates under NLC India Ltd, of exerting pressure on NLC officials and behaving as though it owned the company.
He alleged that the group’s operations elsewhere had been associated with oppression and killings, and warned against any such conduct in Sambalpur. He urged residents to unite to fight for their rights and asked the police to remain impartial.
Mishra alleged that local land in Khinda area had been acquired at throwaway prices through NLC for coal mining, at the expense of communities and the environment. He claimed millions of trees had been felled and mining was being carried out beyond the area permitted under government regulations.
He said displaced families were entitled to permanent houses, safe drinking water, roads and healthcare facilities, but alleged that these had not been provided. He also accused the company of violating an MoU with the government requiring it to provide jobs to 24 local youths every year, alleging that candidates from other states were being recruited instead.