Maoist threat forces tribals to leave homes in Odisha’s Malkangiri

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Malkangiri, Apr 18:

Seven tribal families of Elkanur village under Kalimela police limits in Malkangiri district of Odisha are at their wits end as they have taken shelter in a neighbouring village over Maoist threat.

According to reports, members of the seven families, who were Maoist sympathisers, had recently surrendered before the police expressing their unwillingness to support Red rebels.

However, the members of the banned CPI (Maoist) used to torture them following their return to their village.

Later, the members of the outlawed group held a meeting in the village and threatened them with dire consequences if they disobey the orders to leave the village.

The panic-stricken families have taken shelter at the nearby Kuruba village since last three days and the villagers are providing food and shelter to the distressed lot.

On the other hand, the forced displaced families are awaiting district administration’s intervention to ensure security.

Malkangiri Superitendent of Police (SP) Mitrabhanu Mahapatra has said to take stock of the situation over which villager are leaving the village and take appropriate action.

“Combing operation has been intensified in the area and will try to ensure a security system to prevail in the area for the villagers,” said SP.