Dhinkia to host convention of people’s struggles

Odisha Channel Bureau Bhubaneswar, Nov 28: People’s movements defending land, water, environment, livelihood, and democratic rights are coming together to organise a national convention in defence of democracy at Dhinkia in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha on November 29 and 30 in the context of burgeoning onslaughts under the new government at the Centre.Dhinkia has been the nerve centre of the anti-POSCO agitation since June 2005 when Government of Odisha and South Korean steel maker POSCO had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for establishment of a mega steel plant in Dhinkia area.The national convention is being organised by more than 150 people’s movements in the country those are fighting against the loot of natural resources by corporate houses.Around 500 delegates from different parts of the country will attend the two-day event and share their views regarding the present challenges before them and will chalk out their future course of action.The convention will oppose the proposed dilution of land acquisition, environment and labour laws and demand withdrawal of laws like Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).Apart from various other people’s movement, the people’s movements of Odisha that are co-organisers of the convention include POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, Kalahandi Sachetan Nagrik Manch, Niyamgiri Surksha Samiti, Odisha Soochana Adhikar Manch, Janamukti Sangharsh Vahini, Jatadhar Bachao Andolan, Samajwadi Jan Parishad, Odisha Asangthit Shramik Sangh, Adivasi Dalit Vikas Samiti, Nabarangpur Nagrik Manch, Lok Sakti Abhiyan, Kaling Nagar Visthapan Virodhi Jan Manch, Paschim Odisha Krushak Sangathan, Zindabad Sangathan, Lower Suktel Budi Anchal Sangram Parishad, Sahara Powar Plant Birodhi Manch, Lower Indra Visthapit Sahayata Samiti, Santha Bhima Bhoi Krushak Sangharsh Samiti, Pira Jaharian Bhitta Mati Suraksha Manch, Ambedkar Dalit Adhikar Manch, and Lower Suktel Nagrik Sangh.