Paradip, Aug. 31: A huge posse of police personnel has been deployed in the port area to avoid possible disturbances by three local dumpers' associations who have threatened to paralyse operations.

The conflict started after SAIL engaged Hyderabad's Seaways Shipping and Logistics Ltd (SSLL) to transfer goods from the port harbour to the rail rakes. This didn't go down well with the local transporters and they started protests. They want the port authorities to make sure that all companies gave contracts to local associations instead of those from outside the state.

The port officials, however, claimed that they had no role to play in this. "Paradip port does not interfere in the internal affairs of importers or exporters in deciding on allocation of their stevedoring work to any licensed body. There is a list of licensed stevedores and importers or exporters are free to choose from the list," said port chairman Rinkesh Roy.

With three dumpers' associations threatening to disrupt port operations, both the civil and police administrations are keeping a close watch on the situation. A ship - MV Kamari - carrying limestone is scheduled to reach port on tonight to unload its cargo. The imported limestone has been procured by SAIL. "We are committed to give necessary support and protection to any service provider who wants to use the port facilities for cargo handling," Roy added.

Therefore, police deployment has been beefed up at the vantage points both within and outside the port. CISF personnel are also keeping a strict vigil to maintain internal security.

"We have served notices on nearly 500 office-bearers and workers of dumper associations asking them to furnish written undertakings that they wouldn't create problems. Besides CISF reinforcements, nearly 30 platoons of armed police are stationed at Paradip. Possible acts of violence by service providers have prompted the authorities to put in place the security arrangements," said an official source.

"The cops are prepared to meet any form of exigency. Troublemakers will be dealt with sternly," said additional superintendent of police Gadadhar Pradhani.

A member of a local service provider's association, Jyotikant Parida, however, said: "A section of port officials are promoting the commercial interest of firms from outside the state. Thousands of people from local areas would be rendered jobless if outsiders are pressed into service for intra-port transportation. Our bread and butter is at stake. Therefore, we have decided to take law into our hands to ban 'outside' carriers from port operations."