Locals Stage Demo Before Rayagada IMFA Plant To Press Demands

Rayagada: A group of locals staged a demonstration in front of the main gate of IMFA plant at Therubali in Rayagada district on Wednesday seeking fulfillment of their long-standing demands.

The agitators alleged that they had withdrawn their 18-day protest on May 11 after the district administration assured them that their demands will be considered, but no heed has so far been paid in this regard.

They threatened to intensify their strike, if the district officials remain callous towards their plight.

The locals, including tribals of seven panchayats of the district, had started their protest to press for their nine-point charter of demands like regularisation of jobs of contractual employees of the plant, basic amenities and jobs for unemployed youths in the company.

The protestors had earlier ransacked the machinery, CCTV cameras and lights installed near the factory gate.

However, the agitation was withdrawn following a tripartite meeting convened between the district officials, plant authorities and the agitators.

At the meeting, the district officials had assured the agitators to fulfill most of their demands.