Sonepur, Aug. 11: Sindol Prakalpa Virodhi Manch has decided to observe a “parallel Independence Day” at the Gandhi Maidan in Sonepur to protest against the Sindol hydro power project.

At a meeting on Wednesday, people from all walks of life including members of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have supported the decision of the manch to boycott the official Independence Day celebrations in the district headquarters town of Sonepur and organise separate functions.

Lokamata Panigrahi, 92, who was displaced during the Hirakud dam project in the mid 50s, again faces displacement due to the proposed Sindol project. He has been chosen to hoist the tricolour. Convener of the committee that will organise the parallel Independence Day celebrations, Shyama Om Prasad Mishra said at least 200 people were present at the meeting.

“People have spontaneously expressed their support to the decision of the manch. Activists from all political parties including ruling BJD attended the meeting and extended their support,” said Mishra.

Mishra said: “In the morning the participants will perform prabhat pheri and ram dhun. All schools and colleges of the town will be requested to send their students for parade to the Gandhi Maidan. We are doing this as a symbol of protest. “We neither have the freedom to choose our fate nor do we have the freedom of speech. The govt doesn’t ask us anything when it takes up a project. The proposed project is against our will.”

Panigrahi said: “I know the pain of displacement. You leave your home soil. I was in my 30s when I left my home in Sambalpur district and came to Sonepur. Till date, we have not received our compensation. The government is yet to pay us 40 per cent of compensation amount. Now, we have to face another displacement.”