Suktel oustees suspend 'Jal Satyagraha'

BALANGIR : the  members of Lower Suktel Action Committee, who had launched an indefinite ‘Jal Satyagraha’ in the river near Khagsabahal village in Balangir district, called off their protest on Monday night.

The agitation was withdrawn  after an assurance by Additional District Magistrate Laxmikant Pyarelal Pradhan that a meeting will be held with  Principal Secretary, Water Resources, PK Jena over the issue on October 1.

Led by Gopalji Panigrahi, the members had started ‘Jal Satyagraha’ on Monday demanding compensation to the displaced persons of Lower Suktel project as per the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2013 and completion of the project within the stipulated time.

Although the district administration made all possible efforts to resolve the issue, the protestors refused to budge from their stand.

After a prolonged discussion followed by the assurance, the agitators suspended the protest.

However, Panigrahi said that the protestors would intensify their stir if no outcome emerges after the meeting with the Principal Secretary at Bhubaneswar.

After the protest was called off, the members, who were inside water since 2 pm on Monday, were rushed to District Headquarter Hospital (DHH) for medical checkup.