Jagatsinghpur: Joining hands together, a number of anti-Posco groups have decided to oppose the proposed foundation stone laying function of the project on 1 April. The day is at the same time celebrated as the Utkal Divas.

Sources said about eight to ten organizations including Posco Pratirodha Sangram Samiti (PPSS), Nab Nirman Manch (NNM), Rastriya Yuba Sangthan (RYS), Yuba Manch, Mahbair Youth Club (MYC), have been opposing the project for the last two years, recently alleged that political leaders who had been supporting them have developed soft corner for the company which prompted them to strengthen the protest and carry it out by themselves.

Meanwhile, in a meeting of representatives of PPSS, RYS, NNS and other organizations was held at Patana village to chalk out plans to strengthen the movement. They have decided to unite all national leaders, who support their cause. Many social activists, Gandhian leaders, environmentalists, educationists, media persons, sarovodaya leaders, judges and other intellectuals have supported our cause and we will seek their cooperation in foiling the foundation stone laying, they asserted.

President of RYS Mr Biswajeet Ray has said "anti-Posco organizations have united to protest the project for the greater interest of the nation and we have already chalked out our mission, that is to protest Posco steel project".

PPSS chief Mr Abhay Sahoo said "on April 1, about one lakh people from across the country will throng Dhinkia to oppose the project and spoil the foundation stone laying ceremony".

Meanwhile, former Chief justice of Rajsthan and Sikkim Mr SN Bhargab and some prominent media persons had attended a Posco-protest meeting in Dhinkia recently, but were disappointed by the thin participation.