Paradip, June 10: The land acquisition exercise for the Posco steel project was halted today as a section of landowners tried to immolate themselves to register their protest against “forcible” acquisition.

A mob stopped the exercise by snatching land measurement tools from officials of the state-run Industrial Development Corporation (Idco). Government officials, police and company personnel suspended the exercise for the day.

The trouble started minutes after the officials started work today. As employees of the Idco began measuring the vineyards that were to be demolished as part of the acquisition exercise, a mob gathered at the site and snatched their measurement tools, said special land acquisition officer Sarat Kumar Purohit.

“Very few police personnel were present this morning. That is why we decided to suspend the exercise for the day. Besides, the administration has resolved not to use force during the course of land acquisition,” Purohit said.

Women’s wing chief of Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samity Manorama Khatua said the people protested and tried to set themselves on fire because the officials tried to demolish the betel vineyards forcefully. “But we intervened and stopped them from taking the drastic step,” she said

“My husband owned a 20 decimal plot of betel vineyard. They tried to demolish it. So, I tried to end my life. But fellow villagers saved me,” said Maunabati Das, a landowner.

Jagatsinghpur police chief Satyabrata Bhoi said he had no information about the self-immolation attempt. “The villagers snatched the tools. Still, police acted with restraint and did not use force against the protesters,” Bhoi said.

Samity general secretary Sisir Kumar Mohapatra said the people would continue to oppose the project. “Many of the landowners have parted with their land because of coercive tactics employed by the administration. The betel vineyards are being demolished with the intimidating presence of police forces.”

Bhoi said the police are keeping vigil on the site. The police camp at Gobindpur would continue to operate. “The question of withdrawing forces does not arise as the people have sought for protection stating that anti-Posco activists have unleashed terror upon them,” he said.