On January 31, the government of India gave South Korean multinational Pohong Steel Corporation (POSCO) permission to go ahead with a huge iron mining, manufacturing and export project in Orissa state. As a result, villagers in the region along with anyone opposed to the project are now at high risk of being violently suppressed.
Friends of the Earth International explains that, “already, on 29 November, 2007, fifty villagers were injured as 100 armed men bombed, beat and sexually molested protesters (mostly women). The police watched the attack, then proceeded to occupy the checkpoint.”
Now the police appear ready to launch an armed attack against the villagers, in an attempt to occupy part of the 6,000 acres the government promised to POSCO.
Friends of the Earth International is asking everyone to send a latter of objection to the Prime Minister of India, urging him to abandon the POSCO project. Please go to the campaign page so you can send the letter.
Urge India to abandon unpopular steel megaproject; end violence against protesters
by Debra Broughton, FOEI
In a massive resource sell-out, India has granted South Korean multinational Pohong Steel Corporation (POSCO) permission for a huge iron mining, steel plant, manufacturing and export project in Orissa state. Protesters against the project have already been violently attacked. Now police appear set to launch an armed attack as they attempt to occupy part of the 6,000 acres the government promised to POSCO at a throwaway price.
Villagers have successfully kept company officials out of the area. But with the project’s construction set to begin on 1 April, 2008, resistance organisations fear a massive police assault in the Gadkujang, Nuagaon and Dhinkia council areas.
Already, on 29 November, 2007, fifty villagers were injured as 100 armed men bombed, beat and sexually molested protesters (mostly women). The police watched the attack, then proceeded to occupy the checkpoint. the project
The widely unpopular project would reap tremendous profit to POSCO, thanks to unprecedented land, tax and export concessions from Indian governments. It allows for gigantic private iron ore mines, a 12 million ton steel plant, and a private port. To date government authorities have refused to negotiate with residents regarding the project.
Act now
Friends of the Earth Korea/ KFEM are asking you to support this action, organised by AXN Solidarity Group: a social justice/human rights/cultural-media activists based all over India who have been supporting struggle groups and communities fighting for their rights over natural resources, against human rights abuses of the state and corporations.
Let India’s Prime Minister know that the world is watching. Urge him to abandon the POSCO project.
We have put together this petition in consultation with grassroots activists in India. The petition with the signatures will be faxed to the PMO and handed over in person to the embassy in Washington DC and Consulate in San Francisco. We are also have a few other follow-up actions.
It is extremely important that you sign and circulate this petition. If you do not know anything about this issue, there is a background page that is linked from the petition page and it will answer most of your questions. If you need further clarification, kindly write to me. Your participation is vital Please click here to sign up!
Thanks
https://secure.aidindia.org/aidadmin/donate/current/Donate.jsp
http://www.cathnews.com/news/708/87.php
http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=85996
Petition to Support Peoples’ Struggle against Forced Displacement in Jagatsinghpur, Orissa
The Jagatsinghpur area in Orissa is at the tipping point. Tension reigns following opposition by local groups to the construction of the Pohang Steel Company (POSCO)’s plant on fertile agricultural land. The village of Dhinkia has barricaded itself against visits by government officials and Paramilitary units have surrounded the village and are controlling access to food and medicines. Elsewhere, the Police have cracked down on non-violent public protests and paramilitary units were used to squelch public participation in stautory hearings for Environmental Clearance for the project. Heedless of this volatile situation, the Government of Orissa and POSCO have announced that they will begin construction of the plant in April, 2008. The deployment of State machinery to initimidate people and to shut down their protest is reminiscent of Nandigram, Singur and Kalinganagar. We Must Act Now!
Please visit http://petitions.aidindia.org/Posco_2008/ and sign the petition urging the Indian government to withdraw police and military pressure and to follow the due democratic process in making decisions about the POSCO project.
Please click here to sign up!
http://picasaweb.google.com/orissa.solidarity/
Thank you for passing this on, Dushyant. Please feel free to pass on any info about the follow-up actions you mention, as well as any news or updates to come.
Respectfully…A