Maoists turn against Odisha tribal leader, ask people to reject him

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Jun 5, 2014 at 3:55 AM Updated On : Jun 5, 2014 at 9:27 AM

Odisha Sun Times Bureau

Narayanpatna ( Koraput), June 5 :

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After using Nachika Linga, the undisputed leader of the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) of Narayanpatna in Odisha’s Koraput district, for years, to gain control over this backward tribal region, the Maoists have suddenly turned against him.

In a release issued in Telugu on Wednesday evening, Daya, a member of the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) and secretary of Koraput-Srikakulam committee of the outlawed CPI-Maoist party, has asked people in Narayanpatna to boycott Nachika and support the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) instead to take forward their struggle for justice.

Accusing Nachika Linga of turning a renegade and striking a deal with the police to get rid of the multiple criminal cases pending against him, Daya, in his statement, has called upon the people in Narayanpatna to disown him as their leader for shunning his ideals to pursue his ‘selfish personal agenda’.

Informed local sources, however, said Nachika, who spent years working as a bonded labourer, continues to be a hero figure among the local tribal people for his ‘integrity’ and commitment to their long-standing demands.

Nachika, the sources said, earned the wrath of the Maoists after he refused join their ranks and toe their line.

It may be noted here that Nachika, who has gone underground since 2010, was all set to surrender before a local court on March 11 this year. However, this did not materialise because some powerful leaders of the ruling BJD were allegedly opposed to the idea, for they feared Nachika would contest the election as an independent and jeopardise their political future.

” There is no doubt that Nachika has severed all ties with the Maoists but there is no clarity over his next course of action, ” a senior police official told OST.

Local sources said Nachika’s life is under grave threat now.

” He may be keen to operate overground and join the mainstream but everything would depend on whether the Maoists and the police grant him the opportunity,” a rights activist in Koraput told OST.