Bhubaneswar/Paradip, June 22: Anti-Posco activists observed a “black day” today even as the state government went ahead with the project saying that a fresh MoU with the steelmaker would be made ready in a month.

The activists observe June 22 as a black day as a mark of symbolic protest against the state government’s signing the first MoU with Posco India on this day eight years ago.

The MoU between the state government and the Posco India, which was signed on June 22, 2005, expired on 2011. The agreement could not since be renewed because of a number of obstacles.

Chief secretary Bijay Patnaik said: “The law department has made some recommendations on renewal of the MoU with Posco India.

“We are examining all conditions that are to be incorporated in the proposed agreement. It will be sent to the chief minister’s office for approval within a month after making some necessary changes.”

Over a thousand protesters wore black badges and staged a rally at Patanahaat village in the project area. Hundreds of villagers took to the streets to register their opposition by organising rallies.

The anti-Posco movement has received a set back after the state government excluded Dhinkia, the epicentre of the anti-Posco movement, from the proposed steel plant area.

However, a section of people still continue to oppose the project even after police arrested anti-Posco movement leader Abhaya Sahu.

An eight-party delegation joined the protesters today.