Land acquisition for Posco continues in Odisha

The Odisha government today continued acquisition of land for South Korean steelmaker POSCO's long-delayed mega-project in the state. The acquisition began on Sunday amid violence as protesters clashed with the police.

The process today was reported as peaceful so far, with heavy police deployment.

All entry points to the villages where the acquisition is taking place have been sealed after protesters threw stones at the police on Sunday.

At least a dozen people were injured as protesters clashed with police in Gobindapur village under Dhinkia gram panchayat.

Police had dismantled seven betel vines in the land belonging to the farmers. However, authorities have said only land belonging to people who have given their consent will be acquired.

The land acquisition in Jagatsinghpur district of the state has resumed after a gap of around 18 months amid stiff resistance from anti-project activists, including local farmers as well as environmentalists.