The government now says that the transfer of land has been made to the company and the tribal people will have to vacate. Utkal Alumina insists that it has clear title to the tribal lands. The tribal people have organized, and have the support of a number of local NGOs including Agragamee, which has a 20-year history in the area. Road blockades, and demonstrations have been organized in front of government offices in Kashipur and Rayagada. Company surveyors have been denied access to the area.
Every village now has an organizing centre.
On December 16, about 4000 people from 15 villages held a meeting in Maikanch to plan a roadblock for December 20. Two platoons of police descended on the meeting, and the terrified villagers fled for the hills, except a few women who were left behind. When we tried to convince them, they assaulted Danei Jhodia , a 55 year old woman, mercilessly. She fainted and we went inside our doors in fear. Hearing the commotion, the men returned from the hills.