ROURKELA: Even as 30 hours have passed since the road blockade staged by Orind employees at NH-23 in Lathikata, there seems to be no sign of an early solution to the stand-off as talks failed between the Sundargarh administration and protestors.Employees of the defunct refractory plant Orind, rechristened as Shaswat International Ltd, along with their families continued the road blockade on Thursday. The highway being a key link, commuters are facing a harrowing time.Agitators said they would not call off the agitation till the State Government gave a written assurance to look into their demands. Attempts by the administration to break the stalemate proved futile as the agitators stuck to their guns on redressal of their grievances in a time bound manner. Among other things, they are seeking attachment of the Orissa-based properties of Orind chairman Ravin Jhunjhunwala to wipe off the employees’ liability and suggested reopening the plant on co-operative management. Sundargarh Collector Rupa Roshan Sahu said the situation was being closely monitored and hoped for an early end to the crisis. In fact, the local administration looks helpless as the imbroglio warrants direct intervention of the State Government. The management which has been accused by the employees of illegal diversion of Orind properties, has unsuccessfully tried to wind up the plant before abruptly closing production. Rourkela police have hinted at the possible arrest of Jhunjhunwal who is allegedly absconding.
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