Rourkela, May 14: The district administration today deployed heavy forces and imposed prohibitory orders at Vedvyas as a pre-emptive measure to face the proposed jail bharo call given by the Adibasi Mulabasi Banchao Manch in support of their demands.

The prohibitory orders remains effective from the Vedvyas bridge till Sannaugaon - a distance of nearly 2km.

Earlier, the manch, led by Biramitrapur MLA George Tirkey, had announced that today they would hold a demonstration that was supposed to highlight how all land acts were being blatantly violated to acquire tribal lands for industrial projects.

Today, when the members found deployment of forces and imposition of prohibitory orders, they did not come anywhere near Vedvyas. Instead, they gathered to hold their meeting near Chikatmati, which away from the coverage area of CrPC 144.

Addressing the gathering, Tirkey said: "We are opposed to the change of kisam (category) of the gochar (grazing land) and jungle that is being given away to industrialists and businessmen. There has been violation of land rules, and it is being done with connivance of the local bureaucrats. Our movement against the exploitation of tribal people will continue."

Tirkey had also criticised the move to arrest 10 persons for their alleged involvement in pulling down the boundary wall of Vertage Group at Chikatmati.

On January 20, the administration had been caught unawares when over a few thousand supporters had put up a roadblock at Vedvyas throwing traffic both on road and rail out of track. At that time, the administration was blamed for having failed to anticipate the mood of the manch.

Rourkela assistant superintendent of police Subash Jamadar said: "We are ready for any eventuality."