20 arrested for obstructing POSCO work

At least 20 people were arrested on Thursday for allegedly trying to obstruct the process of land acquisition for the Rs 52,000 crore Posco steel plant near here.

Activists of United Action Committee (UAC), who earlier backed the mega project, were taken into custody as they blocked the entry route to Gada Kujanga opposing land acquisition work, resumed after nine months on Wednesday, police said.

"About 20 people were arrested after effort to persuade them to clear the blockade at Gada Kujanga failed," Additional Superintendent of Police (Paradip), S K Das said.

UAC President Anadi Rout was among those held.

"There has been no untoward incident in any part of the proposed Posco project site and land acquisition work is progressing in a peaceful manner," he said.