PARADIP: Three persons, who were participating in mass dharna by displaced families in front of the IOCL office gate, were admitted to Biju Memorial Hospital here in critical condition.
Hundreds of displaced families are squatting in front of Gate 4 of Paradip Refinery project of IOCL for the last four days in intense heat demanding permanent jobs to 1,752 families.
Those admitted to hospital are Shantilata Jena of Kathagada village, Jhunilata Das of Pareswerpur and Fakir Swain of Balia village under Kujang police limits. They complained of head reeling and uneasiness and were rushed to the hospital. While two have been discharged, one has been shifted to Biju Memorial Hospital. Meanwhile, State president of Akhil Bharat Krushak Sabha Ashis Kanungo and other leaders of trade unions rushed to the spot.
Demo against Arrests
Jagatsinghpur: The arrest of anti-displacement leader Abhaya Sahu and Zilla Parishad member Sarada Jena triggered tension in Erasama on Thursday. Hundreds of supporters of Sahu blocked roads and staged a stir protesting the arrest. The people of Erasama and Balikuda were led by CPI leader Sasibhusan Swain and Dhir Pallei. Anticipating law and order situation, police beefed up security in the area. Sahu was leading hundreds of land losers and displaced families who had launched a demonstration in front of refinery under the aegis of Bhumihara Krushak Ekta Manch, demanding permanent jobs, since Monday. The two others are Congress leader and Zilla Parishad member Sarada Prasad Jena and leader of the outfit, Bipin Moharana.