By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, September 1, 2016 : Paradip Port township is once again vitiated by violent face-off between two warring intra-port transporters dumper unions.

The Police on Thursday clamped section 144 across five gates of the port town.

Paradip Stevedores Association and the newly created Utkal Stevedores Association (USA) are at loggerheads over handling of cargo at the Port.

Six stevedoring organisations, led by Seaways Shipping, had formed a new association named Utkal Stevedores back in September 23, 2015.

Police deployed as many as 450 commandoes of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), at least 20
platoons of Odisha police, 40 officials of state government and seven officers of magistrate rank have been deployed to prevent any untoward incident.

The massive deployment comes in the aftermath of the scheduled arrival of a ship carrying 15,000 MT of cargo on Thursday, which was assigned to be handled by Seaways Shipping much to the chagrin of Paradip Stevedores.

“The Port authorities have ensured smooth release of cargo from the designated ship by our member as per the law”, said President of USA, P K Nayak.