Authorities ask villagers to discontinue strike

Sardar Sarovar Dam project

Express news service

Posted online: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 0000 hrs IST

Vadodara, October 15
NARMADA district authorities have asked people of the six villages affected by the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) project to discontinue their strike.

The people have been on strike to protest against the failure of SSNNL and the district authorities to take decisions regarding the rehabilitation of six villages.

The authorities are now citing the Model Code of Conduct that is in force in the wake of the upcoming Assembly elections

More than 30 persons affected by the SSNNL project have been agitating for the last 13 days. They had also announced a bandh in Kevadia a few days ago.

Meanwhile, the district authorities have warned that the agitation may invite action against them under the code of conduct, which forbids rallies and strikes unless permitted.

R P Rathod, Nanod taluka Mamlatdar who met affected people, said, “We already had a meeting with all Narmada district officials for the upcoming elections and implementation of the election code of conduct. We have asked the people to withdraw their strike.”

However, people said that they are going to continue with their hunger strike till they are given proper rehabilitation package.

Vikram Tadvi, representative of SSNNL project affected people, said, “We are going to continue the agitation till our demands are met by SSNNL or district authorities.”