Maoists warn tribals to boycott panchayat polls in Odisha’s Malkangiri

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Malkangiri, Jan 17:

The Maoists have again put up posters at various places in Malkangiri district of Odisha threatening the tribals to boycott the upcoming panchayat polls.

According to reports, the posters were found from Chitrakonda area of the district in which the Malkangiri District Divisional Committee of the outlawed outfit has asked the tribals not to cast their votes in the polls.

Besides, the extremists have warned the locals not to contest in the panchayat elections.

The development comes days after five poll officials were released from Maoist captivity after production before praja court near Gora Setu in Chitrakonda block in the cut-off region of Malkangiri district. They were threatened not to participate in the panchayat polls.

It may be mentioned here that this is the second such incident in a week’s time. Maoists had on January 10 had put up posters in Malkangiri warning the tribals of the district to abstain from the polls.

Maoist posters were found in Kudumulugumma in which the Malkangiri District Divisional Committee of the outlawed outfit had asked the tribals not to take part in the upcoming polls. The members of the outlawed group also warned that those who will contest in the elections would face death punishment at praja court.

The ultras had further warned that thumbs of those casting their votes would be chopped off.