Anti-Tirkey Stir in Rourkela

ROURKELA: The people of Rourkela city and its periphery areas took to the streets on Friday protesting the ‘anti-development’ agenda pursued by Birmitrapur MLA George Tirkey through his outfit Adivasi Mulwasi Bachao Manch (AMBM).

About 1,000 protestors under the banner of ‘Awaaz’, a newly-formed outfit, marched to the office of Rourkela ADM K Sudershan Chakravorty and submitted memoranda addressed to Prime Minister, Home Minister, Chief Minister and other authorities concerned.

They claimed that over past 18 months,  Tirkey has been creating an atmosphere of ‘terror and intolerance’ and indulging in rampant extortions in the name of protecting interests of tribals. Tirkey and his outfit have been working on the agenda of creating a rift between the tribals and non-tribals. They accused the administration of going soft on the unlawful activities of Tirkey.

They also demanded Tirkey to stop opposing expansion of Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC), formation of Smart City and projects including truck terminal, NH-143, ash pond of NTPC-SAIL Power Company Pvt Ltd, a health centre and other projects which have been hit due to protests by AMBM. In the last few days, two land dealers brought allegations of extortion against Tirkey.

While one Saroj Swain claimed that after he failed to pay Rs 10 lakh, boundary wall of his landed properties were demolished. In another land, JK Singh had alleged Tirkey had demanded him Rs 30 lakh. However, Tirkey described the protest against him as an attempt to divert attention from issues of land grabbing.

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