Date:04/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/04/stories/2009070453560300.htm

Other States - Orissa

CPI (M), BJP stage protests against fuel price hike

Staff Reporter

— Photo: Lingaraj Panda

In agitation mode: CPI (M) activists demonstrating in front of the oil depot in Berhampur on Friday.

BERHAMPUR: The activists of city units of the CPI (M) and the BJP held separate demonstrations in the city on Friday against the price rise of petrol and diesel.

The CPI (M) activists demonstrated in front of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) depot in the city. They were led by the secretary of the city unit of the party, Basant Nanda and other leaders like Kailash Sadangi, Ram Chandra Nayak. Members of different employees unions and trade unions of the city also took part in this demonstration. They handed over a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister demanding roll back price hike of petroleum products to the manager of the depot. Mr. Nanda said they would intensify their agitation against this price hike in coming days if it was not withdrawn.

The BJP Yuva Morcha activists held their demonstration against this price rise of petroleum products at Haladiapadar square on National Highway number 5. Led by president of the local unit of Yuva Morcha, Sarat Sahu and city president of the BJP, Manoj Patnaik, they blocked the highway for two hours. Mr. Patnaik said during this road blockade they tried to educate the truck drivers and others regarding the spiralling problems this price hike of petroleum products would lead to.