Post News Network
Rourkela, Jan 20: The city saw one of the biggest protests in recent times as
activists of the Adivasi Bachao Samiti protested at different places against the formation of the Rourkela Municipal Corporation. The movement is
supported by ex-MLA Raghunathpalli Halu Mundari and Birmitrapur MLA George Tirkey.
Members of the Adivasi group blocked NH-143 at Rangila Chowk (Fertilizer) from 11 am to 12:10 pm. About 150-200 protesters were arrested under the direction of Rourkela SP AK Singh. People in thousands gathered at Kukuda Gate (Bondamunda) and TCI Chowk (Vedavyas) and blocked the Mumbai-Howrah rail route. South Bihar Express (Danapur-Durg) was halted by the protesters at TCI Chowk (Vedavyas) from 11:50 am. Brahmani Tarang police station IIC Upendra Pradhan said the train is still stuck at the same place till reports last came in, leading to frustration among passengers.
Despite Rourkela SP, CRPF commandant and Rourkela ADM Sudarshan Chakravarty visiting Kukuda Gate, Bandamunda, and inspecting the place, the situation continues to remain the same. Till reports last came in, the agitators had made cooking arrangements there and food was being served to the group of protesters.
The protesters want the declaration of Rourkela Municipality as a Municipal Corporation withdrawn and the release of the people fighting for the cause
arrested Tuesday. Singh said over 200
people have been arrested so far.
The station manager of Rourkela railway station said five trains have been stopped and they continue to remain in the station. These include Jammu Tawai Express (from 11: 45 am), Ispat Express (from 11:40 am), South Bihar Express (from 11:50 am), Tata Nagpur (from 12:40 pm). Rourkela DMU has been cancelled as the Mumbai-Howrah route has been blocked by the tribal protesters.