Orissa: Maoist Citadel in Malkangiri
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Orissa: Maoist Citadel in Malkangiri
Prasanta Kumar Pradhan
Research Assistant, Institute for Conflict Management, New Delhi, India
Maoist violence in Orissa has largely been a spillover from neighbouring States. Sharing borders with deeply Maoist-afflicted States like Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, Orissa has found itself constrained in dealing with the armed rebels as they progressively extend their areas of operations. While 15 of Orissa's 30 Districts have, over the years, witnessed Maoist violence and mobilization, it is the border Districts which have been the worst affected.
Orissa's southern-most District, Malkangiri shares its southern and eastern borders with Visakhapatnam, East Godavari and Khammam Districts of Andhra Pradesh, while in the west it is bordered by Chhattisgarh's Bastar District. Only its northern border retains a link with the State through the Koraput District. Spread over an area of 5,791 square kilometres, nearly 52 percent of the District is forested. The hilly terrain of the Eastern Ghats and the dense forests running through the District accentuate its remoteness and inaccessibility.
On May 1, 2007, State Home Secretary T.K. Mishra disclosed that 39 extremists, 38 police personnel and 37 civilians were killed in Orissa over the preceding seven years. According to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), a total of 23 fatalities were recorded in 2006, compared to 17 fatalities in 2005, eight in 2004, and 16 in 2003. While the MHA does not provide District-wise break-ups of fatalities, according to the Institute for Conflict Management database, nine fatalities were reported from Malkangiri in 2006, as against five in 2005. In 2007 (till June 30), out of a total of 18 fatalities recorded in Orissa, Malkangiri alone accounts for nine. The District has already recorded the following significant incidents in 2007:
- June 26: CPI-Maoist cadres targeted a communications tower of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) at Balimela. Police said the Maoists had fixed two landmines below the tower, one of which exploded, partially damaging the installation.
- June 17: CPI-Maoist cadres blew up two road rollers – one at Kapatuti village and the other at Resettlement Colony (RSC)-6 village.
- June 14: Maoists tried to blow up a BSNL mobile phone tower in the Malkangiri Village (MV)-79 area, disrupting cellular phone services.
- June 7: A civilian and one Central Reserve Police (CRPF) trooper were injured in an exchange of fire between a group of Maoists and CRPF personnel at Kalimela.
- May 28: A government-run passenger bus was partially damaged by a CPI-Maoist-triggered claymore mine explosion at Laxmanguda.
- April 29: A CRPF sub-inspector and two suspected CPI-Maoist cadres were killed in an exchange of fire near MV-79 village.
- April 24: One person was killed and two others wounded in a landmine blast triggered by the CPI-Maoist cadres at MV-96 village.
- March 19: Two CPI-Maoist cadres were killed in an encounter with SF personnel at Jakelkundi Forest area under Kalimela Police Station.
- February 12: A CPI-Maoist cadre was killed in an encounter with the Police in Kalimela.
- February 13: Three police personnel were injured as CPI-Maoist cadres opened fire targeting a Police party accompanying election officials for the first phase of the three-tier Panchayat (village local bodies) polls in Kalimela Block.
- February 12: A CPI-Maoist cadre was killed in the Malkangiri District on the eve of the Panchayat elections.
- January 26: A CRPF trooper was killed and two others injured in a landmine explosion triggered by CPI-Maoist cadres near MV-126 under the Kalimela Police Station limits.
Malkangiri District comes under the jurisdiction of the Andhra-Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC), which was formed by the erstwhile People's War Group (now CPI-Maoist) in 2001. Maoists in Malkangiri work in close coordination with their comrades from across the borders in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and also receive instructions from the senior command concentrated in these States – now principally in Chhattisgarh. In March 2007, it was reported that 100 hardcore armed Maoists from Chhattisgarh had sneaked into the bordering Malkangiri and Koraput Districts of Orissa. A red alert was sounded in the tribal pockets of these Districts when Police received intelligence inputs from the Bastar District of Chhattisgarh that armed Maoists were moving towards Malkangiri and Jeypore subdivision in Koraput. Official sources in Malkangiri informed SAIR that the Maoists move constantly across the borders in groups that consist of up to 300-400 members.
The Maoists function through their dalams (squads), and those operating in Malkangiri currently include the Kalimela dalam, the Poplur dalam, the Motu dalam, the Jhanjavati dalam, and the Korkonda dalam, among others. The leaders of a dalam are rotated or transferred cyclically to other dalams in different locations in order to evade the Police. These dalams recruit locals and send them to the various Maoist training centres in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.. According to official sources, the Maoists in Malkangiri carry a range of modern weapons including AK-47s, LMGs and SLRs, in addition to pistols and .303 rifles. In addition, cadres receive specialised training in the use of landmines, grenades and bombs including a range of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Intelligence sources indicate that the Maoists are now using high-power jammers and filters to block mobile and wireless services in the Naxalite zones.
The retreat of the State administration is evident from the impact of periodic strike calls given by the Maoists in the area. On May 21, the Maoist's AOBSZC called for a week-long strike (from May 21 to 27) in the border Districts of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh, protesting against alleged Police excesses in tribal areas and fake encounters in the Naxalite zones. The strike was total in the Malkangiri District. Normal traffic in and outside areas bordering Malkangiri, Kalimela, Chitrakonda and MV-79 areas was badly affected. Similarly, on June 26, protesting against the formation of Special Economic Zones in the country, Maoists began a two-day economic blockade in Orissa. They obstructed roads leading to Kalimela, Motu and other villages in Malkangiri by felling trees and placing huge boulders on the roads. Normal traffic was severely disrupted, in spite of claims to the contrary by the District administration.
Opium cultivation has emerged as a major source of income for the Maoists in Malkangiri. Hundreds of acres in the District, especially areas in Chitrakonda and Kalimela, have been covered under ganja (marijuana) crops, with poor tribal farmers are lured by the Maoists into this illegal cultivation with a promise of better returns. A single plant fetches as much as INR 200 for the cultivator, and according to one estimate, a plantation on about half an acre can fetch more than INR 50,000, which is far more lucrative than any other form of agricultural activity in the region. According to reports, over 10,000 quintals of ganja are produced in the Kalimela and Chitrakonda areas each year. Cultivation is maintained round the year in the Maoist-affected tribal pockets of Janvai, Pepermetla, Poplur, Maligudaodia and Manamkonda. From the Malkangiri District, ganja is exported to nearby townships in Orissa including Bolangir, Sambalpur and Rourkela, from where it is reportedly transported onwards to Nepal and Pakistan.
CRPF personnel are the mainstay of anti-Maoist operations in Malkangiri and are supported by the regular Police, personnel of the Orissa State Armed Police, the Special Operation Group and the 1 st India Reserve Battalion. In May 2007, Police in the Malkangiri District started a poster campaign highlighting atrocities by the Maoists and details of a Government package for surrendered extremists. The hoardings also reiterated the Government's commitment to protect surrendered Maoists.
Labels: Orissa
posted by Resistance 7/10/2007 04:31:00 PM,
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4 Naxal sympathisers held in Orissa
Monday July 9 2007 14:12 IST
They have been identified as Tapan Naik of Jharapur village and Mukunda Naik, Santosh Munda and Bimal Topno of Ranigula village.
With the arrest, police have been able to find out the circumstances under which Bhubaneswar Naik and Harischandra Naik of Ranigula village and a contractor Prabhat Pradhan of Telikusum village were murdered on the night of June 21.
Police said the four were sympathisers of Maoists and were helping them in providing shelter and housing their arms and ammunition. Apparently, Mukunda Naik is the son of Bhubaneswar Naik who was hacked to death along with Harishchandra .
During interrogation, those arrested revealed that six ultras, including three women cadres, were involved in the murder of the three on June 21.
It is learnt that Bhubaneswar was not in good terms with his son Mukunda and objected to his supporting the ultras. Moreover, Bhubaneswar is believed to have tipped off the police which led to killing of four ultras in Asurkhol-Ranigula forest on July 3 last year.
Disclosing the motive behind Harishchandra Naik's death, the four said Harishchandra was complaining about the appointment of Santosh Munda's wife as an anganwadi worker.
Similarly, contractor Prabhat was murdered as he was considered a police informer.
Labels: Orissa
posted by Resistance 7/10/2007 04:16:00 PM,
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Oriss: House debates Maoist activitiy
Friday, June 29, 2007
Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, June 28: The Maoist menace needs to be viewed in proper perspective as it is not confined to Orissa. The incidence of violence during their current economic blockade have taken place in several states, said chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik while adding without being complacent one can say that the situation in neighbouring states is worse than Orissa.
Replying to a notice for adjournment on Left wing extremist-related violence at Deogarh and Koraput as well as two other murder cases at Keonjhar and Athgarh, the CM said 14 states were affected by the Left wing extremism. Reeling out figures he said during the current year, there were 31 instances of attacks by Naxalites in Orissa whereas in Chhattisgarh, the number of cases were 169 and in Jharkhand, it was 118.
Over the past seven years, the casualty figure in Orissa was 103 as against 941, 930 and 1867 in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh, he informed.
Denying the Opposition charge that the police were demoralised and unable to tackle the problem, Mr Patnaik claimed that his government had taken systemic steps to improve the efficiency of the police. Over 10,600 posts had been created and 4806 constables recruited. The India Reserve Battalion was formed and two more such battalions are to be established, he added.
He pointed out that the administration was getting the support of local people and the recent Maoist attack in Deogarh where they had killed three persons was because they were not getting support of the locals.
Countering the Opposition on failure in the socio-economic front , specially land related issues, the CM noted that a few days ago, he had gone to Rayagada and distributed 18,235 pattas to landless people which is the " highest in the country at one single function". "The police were concerned about the trip but it was so important that I decided to go and I am happy I did," he remarked.
It is not true that the government had failed to perform in the socio-economic front, stated the chief minister while noting that the growth rate during the 10th Plan period was higher than projections.
Earlier, he referred to the four particular instances and said on 21 June, Maoists entered Ranigola village and Telikusimi village of Deogarh district. They killed three persons suspecting their involvement in anti-Naxalite operations that had taken place in the village on 3 July last year when four hardcore Maoists had been killed. The Maoists had suffered amajor setback in the region due to two successfully anti-Naxalite operations last year in which seven Maoists had died, he said.
On the same day, Maoists attacked the Darliput railway station in Koraput district, he said. He also provided details of the other two criminal cases that had been registered at Athgarh of Cuttack district and Elkania in Keonjhar district.
Initiating the discussions, Congress leader Mr Narasingha Mishra had lambasted the government for its failure on the socio-economic front as a result of which the poor and tribals were taking to naxalism.
He decried that several key posts were lying vacant including those of DIG of two important range. Nothing has been done on land reforms and this government does not want to provide land to the landless, he alleged , caustically adding that the government was grabing land and displacing tribals . You will be digging your own grave if you take comfort by drawing comparisons with neighbouring states, he remarked.
Several other Congress leaders accused the government of complete failure on the law and order front and the socio-economic front. The treasury bench members led by Kalpataru Das countered referring to pro-poor measures taken by the government and the growth of left wing extremism in different states.
posted by Resistance 6/29/2007 08:41:00 AM,
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Orissa villagers determined to fight Posco plant
Friday, June 15, 2007
The villagers of Jagatsinghpura district, who say their livelihoods are under threat from POSCO-India's proposed steel plant, are in no mood to leave the land they have been cultivating for generations.
"We will never give up our land for a project that will displace us, destroy our livelihoods and the environment," Nrusingh Behera of Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, a body resisting the land acquisition, told IANS.
Nrusingh was among a group of villagers who attended the national conclave of marginalised social groups, which concluded here Thursday. The four-day conclave, organised by anti-poverty agency ActionAid, demanded an immediate halt to displacement of indigenous communities.
Villagers fear the project will destroy a vibrant agrarian and fishing economy where people grow two paddy crops a year and women often earn an income from bamboo cane and livestock rearing.
Posco, one of the world's biggest steel makers, signed a deal with the state government in June 2005 to set up the plant near the port town of Paradeep in the coastal district of Jagatsinghpur by 2016.
There has been no significant progress on the project since then due to local opposition.
"The state killed 13 tribals in Kalinganagar to take their land for a Tata project and it will have to kill 1,300 people to take our land," asserted Basu Deb Behera, a farmer and leader of the Samiti.
In Kalinganagar, over a dozen tribals were killed in police firing in January 2006 while protesting the construction of a boundary wall of a Tata Steel plant.
"Such is the resistance from people that police don't dare to enter our villages. All our villages have barricades and they are guarded round the clock," said Basu Deb.
"But the villagers are living under the shadow of fear. We can't move out freely," he added.
The leader said the government had violated all regulations while holding a mandatory public hearing in April to elicit opinion about the plant from villagers who would be affected by it. Villagers were not informed about the hearing and it was attended by outsiders brought by state authorities, he alleged.
Madhumita Ray of ActionAid said a petition would be filed in the Supreme Court challenging the manner in which the public hearing was conducted.
The Samiti, which has about 15,000 members, claims it enjoys the support of another 15,000-strong fishermen community, which fears that the captive port POSCO plans to set up at the mouth of Jatadhari river would affect their livelihood too.
"This will also destroy the ecology of the area famous for Olive Ridley turtles," Madhumita pointed out.
www.newkerala.com
posted by Resistance 6/15/2007 03:32:00 PM,
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Cops shortage in Naxal hotbed in orrissa
Friday, June 8, 2007
Cops shortage in Naxal hotbed: Policing hit
Thursday June 7 2007 11:54 IST
ROURKELA: How serious is the State Government in combating insurgency and keeping the crime graph down in the Naxal-infested tribal district of Sundargarh?
Consider this: The strategically located Bonai subdivision, where the extremists are working hard to strengthen their base, alone has 30 vacant police officer posts while at least three upgraded police stations in the zone are desperately waiting for inspectors.
Sources said of the two police districts in the revenue district of Sundargarh, Sundargarh police district, under whose jurisdiction Bonai sub-division falls, is worst hit by vacancies while the situation is no better in Rourkela police district either.
In Sundargarh police district, at least 40 posts in the rank of sub-inspector (SIs) and assistant sub-inspector (ASIs) are lying vacant for long. The post of Inspector General (Western Range) is also lying vacant since April 30.
It is being handled by DIG (Northern Range) Pranabindu Acharya, as an additional charge. Ironically, Sundargarh police district has a vast work jurisdiction.
Some areas share porous border with the Naxal hotbed of Jharkhand along with four of Orissa's extremist-hit districts. The situation is most alarming in the all-important Bonai sub-division.
As per sources, to battle the ultras effectively, six interior police stations - K Balang, Banki, Gurundia, Tikayatpali, Bonai and Koira - were upgraded eight months back.
While no inspector-rank officer is posted at Gurundia and Tikayatpali PS, Banki PS is managing without a head after the transfer of P K Aich.
This apart, at least 10 posts of ASI rank officer and several posts of constables are lying vacant in Bonai.
A highly placed cop on condition of anonymity said that the problem lies with vacancies of officers and not constables as posting of around 130 constables is in the pipeline.
Bonai, located partially in the lap of Asia's deepest forest cover, has on its east the Naxal-affected Jharkhand with Maoists using the thick forest cover as a corridor to walk into this side of the border.
On the south-east of Bonai is the Naxal-hit Keonjhar, while on its south is Deogarh. Another Naxal-hit Sambalpur district shares porous border with Sundargarh on the extreme west-end.
In recent times, apart from Maoist terror, Bonai has also been bearing the brunt of illegal mining activities and daylight armed dacoities. But the Government is yet to wake up to the volatility of the situation.
posted by Resistance 6/08/2007 08:31:00 AM,
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Maoists intensify public relations campaign
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Maoists intensify PR campaign
Tuesday June 5 2007 12:21 IST
SAMBALPUR: Maoists have reportedly intensified their public relations campaign in the interior pockets of Naktideul block to woo the villagers.
Sources said about 60 armed ultras including members of 'Bal Militia' visited the house of Balam gram panchayat sarpanch Birendra Pradhan in Naktideul block on Sunday night and handed over leaflets to him for distribution among the villagers.
They also asked Pradhan not to join the Jan Sampark Shivirs organised by the police.
Sources said earlier on Thursday night, the ultras had reportedly distributed leaflets in Kishinda, Pithouguda, Dhalapur, Luisingh and other adjoining villages in the Naktideul block.
The Maoists in the leaflets, have come down heavily on the shivirs being organised by the Sambalpur and Deogarh police.
Flaying the distribution of clothes, sports kits, books and other materials, they accused the police of misleading people and branding innocent persons as Maoists and putting them behind bars.
posted by Resistance 6/06/2007 11:18:00 PM,
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Orissa is better place than neighbouring states: Naveen
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Replying to a motion moved by the Opposition on the law and order situation in the state, Mr Patnaik said there has been a substantial improvement in the overall situation.
The extremist violence was much less compared to states like Chhatishgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, Mr Patnaik said.
He said while only 22 Naxalite related incidents were reported during the year in Orissa, 169 cases were registered in Chhatisgarh followed by 118 in Jharkhand, 40 in Bihar and 38 in Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said the security forces have arrested 35 Naxal activists during the year and recovered 15 arms and 21 improvised explosive devices. This apart the security forces, Mr Patnaik said have busted two arms manufacturing units of CPI(ML) during January next. He, however, said the government was not complacent about the situation and was continuing all efforts in maintaining law and order situation in the state.
NewKerala.Com
posted by Resistance 6/05/2007 08:26:00 PM,
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Maoists sneak into South Orissa
Thursday, May 31, 2007
JEYPORE: The reported sneaking in of over 100 hardcore Maoists from neighbouring Chhattisgarh to Malkangiri and Koraput districts has put the cops on their toes.
A red alert has been sounded in the tribal pockets of these districts. Four days back, police received an intelligence input from Bastar district of Chhattisgarh that armed Maoists are moving towards Malkangiri and Jeypore subdivision in Koraput.
The subdivision had been considered a non-Naxal bastion till now. Sources said the Naxalites had entered Jeypore sub-division through the river route near Ghadaghat, bordering Orissa and Chhattisgarh.
Although the motive of the Naxalites is yet to be known, police are apprehending attacks in major establishments. The region has seen several major attacks over the past few years and cops are not taking any chances.
Armed police have been deployed at check points and patrolling increased Boipariguda and Kundra areas where the ultras are reportedly camping now. The Maoists are likely to hold a meeting to spread their tentacles in the State to create an 'administration-free zone.'
posted by Resistance 5/31/2007 06:31:00 PM,
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Accept All The Pro-People Demands And Take Steps To Release The Hostages
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
We post it here for the archive.The statement is related to the Udayangiri operation.
AS you know, on 24th March around five hundred people along with one hundred armed cadre under the leadership of C.P.I.(Maoist) encircled R.Udayagiri of Gajapati district, Orissa. They attacked on police station, sub-jail, treasury and Orissa State Armed Police (OSAP) camp. The armed battle at OSAP camp continued more than an hour, in which 3 armed police and 2 cadres of Maoist named Suresh and Satish were killed. Ultimately state armed force surrendered before the Maoist. Maoist had taken away all the armed and ammunitions from the Govt. forces. They broke the Jail and made free to all the prisoners. They also took away the Jailer and Police OIC with them as hostage. They had left one letter for govt., in which they cleared their intension of this attack. They described it as an armed reaction against this anti-people Govt., who has been continuously attacking on democratic people's movement through lathes and bullets. They also placed five points demand list to the Govt. to release the both officers. Demands are:
1. Stop the plundering of natural resources in the name of development and industrialization and accept the right of the people over land, water, forest and natural resources.
2. Stop state repression on people's movement and booked all the officials and politicians in murder cases, those are linked in people's massacre like in Mandrabaju, Kasipur, Soran and recently Kiling Nagar.
3. Ensure the minimum right to all the prisoners and give political prisoners status to Maoist.
4. Release all the political prisoners of Malkanagiri, Baripada, Mandrabaju and others.
5. Withdraw all the cases against the struggling people. Withdraw the armed forces from struggle area. And stop police modernization.
Instead of accepting all the people's demand of Maoist and clearing the roads for the release of hostage officials, Govt. is speeding up the combing operations. It is a well known fact that all the demands put forth by Maoist are not new and have already been agitated by various democratic forces. But the anti-people Govt. never considered these demands and rather attacked on people to safe guard the interest of the exploiters. The R.Udaygiri incident cannot be considered different from the political and economic situation of the state in general and Gajpati and Rayagada district in particular.
R.Udaygiri is a tehsil head quarter of Gajpati Dist. Gajpati Dist is a part of the undivided Koraput Dist., in which during 40s more than 80% was the tribal population. Although it is a scheduled area, but in 2001 census it reveals that only 35% is the tribal population in Gajpati Dist. There is a regulation of Governor being given assent of the president prohibiting tribal land transfer to non tribal in scheduled area since 1956. But while more than 80% of the tribal either do not have land for cultivation or although posses land but do not have lands right. On the contrary hundreds of non tribal landlords and moneylenders operating in this area exploiting the poor and innocent tribals. There is a money lending law since the British colonial rule and a special regulation has been enacted for scheduled area during 70s. But the research proves that more than 90% of the tribal population are not aware of the enactment, what to talk of it's implementation! Money lending business in the locality is the important factor for transfer of tribal land to the hands of non tribal landlords. Bhudan movement has served very little in this area. Land reforms is only in political slogan. So the tribal people finding no way out formed an organization named as "Chashi Mulia Samiti" in 1995. The struggles of tribal under the banner of Chashi Mulia Samiti got the momentum by occupying lands of the non tribal landlords in this area. The Govt. instead of taking steps to regularize the lands occupied by the landless tribal, tried to suppress the land struggle, more popularly known as Basadhara land struggle, deploying O.S.A.P, I.R.B.F and C.R.P.F in different points in the 5th scheduled area. The state Govt. when failed to tackle the movement through security forces wanted to demoralize the tribal population by adopting method of humiliating the tribal ladies by outraging their modesty or committing rape on them through the security forces. The state Govt. also adopted a method to divide the tribals and dalit communities by terming the movement as anti dalit movement. The state Govt. also adopted an evil design to divide the tribal communities forming 'Shanti Sena' under the leadership of lumpen tribal elite. The said 'Shanti Sena' at the behest of the state committed atrocities in different tribal villages and tribes. During the Basadhara land struggle, about 1000 tribals in 20 Gram Panchayats of two block area in Gajpati district have implicated in serious criminal charges including murder, attempt to murder, docoity, keeping arms, etc and are send to jail. It is said that the tribals have traditional right over the forest and forest products. But before the Naxal movement starts in the area, the tribals were indiscriminately implicated in the forest cases.
As per the Govt. version, transacting of forest produce worth of rupees within one hundred which constitute also offense, cases numbering 11,400 are pending against tribals. The tribals are not getting minimum wages. They are also not getting minimum support price for the produce. It is also admitted by the C.M of Orissa during his recent visit to R.Udaygiri after the incident that no development has been made in the area since his last visit to the area during 1997, when he was a minister under central cabinet.
Instead of addressing to the basic issues like land, right over forest and forest produce, minimum wage, heath, education, poverty, the state power always adopted repressive measures against any form of democratic movement. That is from Maikanch(Kasipur) to KalingNagar via Mandrabaju, Raigarh, Chhilika, Baripada etc.
On 30th Dec. 1999, Police fired on the struggling people of Mandhrabaju of Gajapati district and killed 8 tribal. Instead of giving justice to the tribal, struggling for their land and booking the notorious officials responsible for this killing, Govt. booked the tribal in false cases and now four are in jail for life imprisonment, out of which two are in wrong identification. On 16 th Dec.2000, at Maikanch of Kasipur area of Rayagada district Police killed 3 tribal in firing, those were struggling against their displacement in favor of Aluminum big houses. Similarly, 5 dalit fishermen of Chilika Lake were killed at Soran in Police bullet, those are fighting for their traditional fishing right in Chhilika which is in danger from prawn mafia. Of course, Kaling Nagar Adibasi massacre is fresh in everybody's mind, where 13 tribal were brutally killed in favor of Tata Company.
Their cause and demands, the number of people participated in the incident and more over their responsible behave strongly indicate that they are not terrorist as the state characterized. And their activities cannot be checked through repression. It is a historical fact that whenever and wherever there is attempt to suppress the genuine cause through bayonet, in a natural way, the people's movement turns into a violent form and any form of repressive measure shall be termed as state terrorism.
It is also significant to note that police, paramilitary forces, army are said to be inexistence for the protection of general people, general mass and country. The cops earn their livelihood from the public exchequer which is created out of the revenue collected from the common mass. The members of the security forces belong to the families covering workers, farmers, lower middle class and middle class people. But in every case we find they are deployed against the democratic movement of the people and to suppress people's voice to safeguard the interest of national and international monopoly industrial houses who are plundering natural resources of the state .The members of security forces though belong to the class of toiling masses but engaged to protect the interest of landlords, capitalists and their political agents. The same toiling mass mostly from which class the members of security forces have come are totally think them as their enemy. The game plan of ruling class to divide the oppressed class and engaged one against another is a serious matter of concern, which the common mass and the members of security forces should understand. Now it is high time that the police should not demand for sophisticated arms and ammunition ultimately which will serve the interest of capitalist, landlords and lumpen politicians accelerating the hostile atmosphere between the police and struggling mass .The police now should demand they shall not be engaged against any people's movement. The callousness of the Naveen's Government towards considering the demands of Maoists for release of the hostages clearly indicate that as if they have waited to give tribute to the dead bodies of the hostages as martyrs only and to shift blame on the Maoists. It is to be noted that the hostages belong to lower cast and also lower ranking officers. And they are not kith and kin of any political leaders nor are any top bureaucrats.
Daman Pratirodh Manch
Labels: Orissa, statements
posted by Resistance 5/29/2007 04:37:00 PM,
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Govt sets up joint command to chase Maoists from industrial hubs
Friday, May 25, 2007
Govt sets up joint command to chase Maoists from industrial hubs
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has set up a joint command to track down and chase the Maoists from the industrial hubs, particularly in Jajpur, Keonjhar and Dhenkanal districts.
The joint command would be headed by the deputy inspector general (DIG) of police (central range) Arun Kumar Sarangi. Admitting that left wing extremists (LWEs) belonging to the Janashakti group have strengthened their base in the three districts, Director General of Police (DGP) Amarananda Pattanayak said that four special operations group (SOGs) have been deployed against them.
While two SOGs have been stationed in Dhenkanal district, one each has been deployed in Jajpur and Keonjhar district. The DGP admitted that lack of good road network in Keonjhar district has eased the pressure on the extremists somewhat. He, however, maintained that police is after the naxalites in these areas in a bid to prevent them from consolidating their base.
Sources, however, maintained that the agitation which started in the name of protection of tribal rights at Kalinga Nagar, has been completely taken over by the left wing extremists (LWEs) from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. After the anniversary celebration of Kalinga Nagar police firing incident in January, more than 200 outsiders infiltrated the area and taken over the movement.
Over a dozen companies including the Tata Steel have signed memoranda of understanding with the State Government for establishment of steel plants in the area.
In their memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the local people of Kalinga Nagar have alleged that the outsiders are collecting money from the poor villagers in the name of protection of tribal rights. Some of the tribal people are also under their influence and trying to create disturbance in the area, they added.
Most disturbing aspect of the situation is that government officials and police are not allowed to enter into villages in Kalinga Nagar area. Banned organisations like the Chasi Mulia Sangha and Sangrami Mahila are also regularly conducting meetings in the villages.
posted by Resistance 5/25/2007 11:16:00 AM,
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Naxalites lend support to anti-Posco stir
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
BHUBANESWAR, MAY 22: Posco India's proposed Rs 52,000-crore steel project in Orissa is likely to face further hurdle as naxalites belonging to the CPI (Maoist) have urged the affected villagers to intensify their struggle against the project.
Intelligence reports have confirmed that Maoist leaders recently visited the villages affected by the project and distributed leaflets.
Police sources said naxalites were trying to set up base in the area taking advantage of the tense situation in the three gram panchyats of Dhinkia, Gadakujanga and Nuagon. Villagers here are protesting the location of the proposed plant under the banner of the Posco Virodhi Sangram Samiti and the Naba Nirmana Samiti.
Meanwhile, the CPI (ML) general secretary, Dipankar Bhattacharya urged villagers to continue their struggle against the project. He cautioned the state government that unless the people's problem was taken care of, naxalites belonging to the Maoist group would certainly take advantage of the situation.
posted by Resistance 5/23/2007 01:47:00 PM,
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Naxal threat scares sarpanches
Monday, May 21, 2007
ONGOLE: Peace in the mandals adjoining Nallamala is under threat what with Naxalites making threatening calls to the village sarpanches.
The immediate provocation seems to be the CPI-Maoist Naxalites' suspicion that one of their key pointsman Yarraiah is in police captivity.
Yarraiah is considered an important operator in Tripurantakam, Pullalacheruvu and Yarragondapalem mandals abutting the Nallamala forests.
These mandals have always been problem zones as they are hotbeds of Naxalite activity.
For the past two months, the Naxals have been calling sarpanches over landlines and mobiles asking them to mediate with the police to secure 'freedom' for their key activist.
A sarpanch in Yarragondapalem confirmed on condition of anonymity that he had received a call from the Naxals.
The Naxals have reportedly threatened the sarpanches of dire consequences if they did not mediate.
However, Markapuram OSD ARN Ammi Reddy strongly denied the allegations that Yarraiah was in their custody. He said no Maoist is in their custody.
Meanwhile, most of the sarpanches in these three mandals have moved to safe zones like Ongole town as a precautionary measure. Some sarpanches have shifted to Markapuram town, which is close to their villages and easy to operate from.
A sarpanch from Madhurantakam mandal, who too had received a warning call from the Maoists, is taking shelter in his friend's house in Ongole town.
It may be recalled that the Maoists have killed a couple of sarpanches and a few villagelevel Congress leaders alleging them to be police informers.
The kin of a local MLA was also killed by the Maoists in the recent past.
Newindpress.com
posted by Resistance 5/21/2007 11:57:00 AM,
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Orissa's poster campaign against Maoist menace
Monday, May 7, 2007
Police in an Orissa district have stepped up their fight against Maoist insurgency with a poster campaign that highlights the latter's atrocities and details a government package for surrendered guerrillas.
'Hundreds of such posters have been displayed at various places in the tribal town of Malkanagiri,' a police official told IANS.The district police have erected two giant hoardings at the DNK junction. While one hoarding reflects the state government's package for Maoists who surrender, the other describes their massacres.
According to the hoardings, if a Maoists opts to join mainstream society, he or she will be given Rs.10,000 as preliminary financial aid, followed by a small plot for house construction and a Rs.25,000 bank loan, besides Rs.15,000 for marriage and Rs.200,000 for self-employment and financial rehabilitation.
'If any Maoist surrenders with arms and ammunitions, he or she will be given Rs.20,000 as financial assistance immediately,' the hoarding reads. It also mentions that the guerrilla will be paid Rs.15,000 if he surrenders with a rocket launcher, Rs.10,000 for an AK-47 or AK-57 or INSAS or SLR, Rs.5,000 for 303 rifle or pistol or revolver and Rs.5,000 for a wireless set.'We believe that the awareness campaign will yield positive results,' the official added.
posted by Resistance 5/07/2007 07:42:00 PM,
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Cops chalk out red guard
Saturday, May 5, 2007
| GAUTAM SARKAR |
| Dumka, May 4: Additional director-general of police Gouri Shanker Rath conducted a rehearsal of combing operation of Naxalites with the policemen of six districts of the Santhal Pargana here today. After the police headquarter and the intelligence department recently sniffed the presence of Maoists in the region which was so far considered as a "peace zone" in the state, Rath today chalked out different strategies along with the police chiefs of Dumka, Deoghar, Jamtara, Pakur, Sahebganj and Godda. Besides the district police superintendents, all officers to the rank of deputy superintendent, inspectors and officers-in-charge of all the police stations in the region also participated in the meeting. He too stimulated several anti-Naxalite measures and the state's policy for countering the Naxalite menace into the minds of Santhal Pargana cops during the closed-door meeting. However, the contents of the meeting was not made available to the public but later talking to mediapersons, Rath said Dumka and Sundarpahari area in Godda district had been marked as the new "terror" zone of Maoists. According to him, out of 330 total police stations in the state, 167 were affected by Naxalites and among them 85 police stations were affected with rebel violence. Rath said the outfit had started spreading its tentacles in Dumka district taking the opportunity of inaccessible topographical conditions as the district shares borders with Bihar and Bengal. |
posted by Resistance 5/05/2007 08:25:00 AM,
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Two die in Maoist-CRPF gunbattle
Monday, April 30, 2007
Malkangiri • At least two people died and four others were injured in a gunbattle between Maoist rebels and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) team in south Orissa's Malkangiri district yesterday afternoon, police said.
The incident took place at the weekly market of MV 79 village, 70 km from the district headquarters of Malkangiri and some 700km from state capital Bhubaneswar, in the afternoon, sub-divisional police officer Satyabrata Bhoi said. The armed CRPF jawans had gone to market on duty as part of the security measures.
A group of Maoists fired at a person who had come to the market. When the man fell on the ground, the CRPF team rushed to the spot and retaliated, he said. A Maoist and a CRPF personnel were killed in the gun battle, Bhoi said.
Local police also rushed to the spot and joined the CRPF team in the operation. One AK-47 rifle was seized from the slain rebel. A woman Maoist was also arrested from the spot, he said. At least four people including three CRPF personnel and a villager sustained injuries in the shootout. They were rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment.
Additional police forces were moved to the area to nab the Maoists who later fled to a nearby jungle, the official said.
The Peninsula
posted by Resistance 4/30/2007 09:04:00 AM,
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Naxalites eye new areas for growth
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Statesman News Service
JAJPUR, April 23: The Naxalites are eyeing the industrial belt of Kalinga Nagar and the mineral rich Sukinda Valley as they have already made their presence felt in areas such as Tomka and Kaliapani. The radicals are trying to make inroads into iron ore mining belt of Daitary in neighbouring Keonjhar district.
Some of them have started warning mine owners and contractors. Extortion by such elements often go unreported and local criminals are also helping them out, said reliable sources.
Mr Bilas Behura, a mining contractor of Kamarda mines in Kaliapani area, is the last victim of the Naxalites. He was threatened on phone by the radicals and asked to hand over an amount to their men in a particular place. When Mr Behura refused to pay the amount, they reportedly set ablaze six vehicles, including four tippers, owned by him.
"We are told not to divulge the name of Naxalites in our operation as they have threatened to kill us. If we collect an amount of Rs 5 lakh for the Naxalite leaders, we get a share of around Rs 50, 000," says a local gang leader on condition of anonymity. The Naxalites are capitalising on the tribals' outrage over Kalinga Nagar firing in which 13 tribals were killed over land acquisition protests. The Naxalites are now extending their full support to the agitating tribals who are spreading anti-industrialisation movement in the growing industrial areas.
"We are not Naxalites. We are innocent tribals and fighting for our livelihood. It is the district police administration that first started spreading rumours that Naxalites were involved in our movement. Till date, they have in no way involved in the agitation. If the government acquires our land forcefully and keeps exploiting us, we will not need the support of Naxalites. We ourselves will become Naxalites," says president, Vistaphan Virodhi Janmanch, Mr Chakradhar Haiburu. The Orissa government hopes to wean displaced tribals away from the Naxalite movement by starting fresh discussions with them, and at the same time, dealing firmly with the radicals.
"We have information that the radicals are extorting money in this area. We will firmly take action against them whenever we get information and give protection to the people there," says home secretary, Orissa, Mr Tarun Kanti Mishra. However, trade union leaders allege that industry and mine owners flout many laws and rarely do they approach the police for help.
"The industries are violating many norms prescribed by the government. When they themselves are at fault, they do not have the courage to lodge a complaint against the Naxalites who demand ransom from them," says trade union leader Mr Mayadhar Nayak. Rehabilitation and resettlement remain to be the biggest challenges of the Orissa government as it industrialises the state. Until they resolve the issue with integrity, the Naxalites will find a plenty of support in these emerging industrial areas, he added.
posted by Resistance 4/24/2007 08:16:00 AM,
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Orissa Police complete training to counter Naxals
Monday, April 23, 2007
Rourkela, April 23 (PTI): As part of government's move to counter Naxal threat in the state, 53 police personnel of fourth battalion of the Orissa Special Armed Police (OSAP) have successfully completed training at the Anti- Terrorism Centre (ATC) here.
This is the first batch of trainees who underwent training at the newly established centre, officials said.
"The jawans had been trained on the lines of Grey Hound personnel," Inspector General of Police (Operation) S S Hansda said during the passing out parade
The IGP, who took the salute, expressed hope that the jawans would boldly stand against the challenge of left wing extremism
Hansda, during his two day tour to the area, also reviewed the security scenario in the Naxal-infested western range with senior officials
The senior police officer underscored the need of strengthening surveillance and intelligence in the Naxal-hit Orissa-Jharkhand border areas to keep track of the movements of the ultras, sources said.
posted by Resistance 4/23/2007 11:00:00 PM,
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Orissa seeks more anti-Naxal funds
Saturday, April 21, 2007
BHUBANESWAR: Chief secretaries on Friday observed that violence had come down in insurgencyaffected areas, but they expressed concerned over increasing Naxal violence in some states.
They discussed measures to streamline overall governance and improve the internal security, especially in states affected by Naxalism and insurgency, at a day-long meeting, organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances in New Delhi.
The Home Ministry made a presentation on the internal security situation in the country. DGPs of some states, including Orissa, also participated.
Sources said Orissa demanded more funds to tackle the growing threat from Naxals, who have made base in several districts.
A demand was made to declare Jajpur, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Phulbani and Ganjam districts as Naxalaffected.
The demand for deployment of additional two companies of CRPF was reiterated. The other demands included more funds from the Centre under the Police Modernisation Programme, upgradation of police stations in Naxal-hit areas and funds for execution of welfare measures in tribal areas. Implementation of different development Chief Secys' meet in Delhi.
Newindpress.com
posted by Resistance 4/21/2007 06:06:00 PM,
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Combing operation intensified at Hilang (Orissa)
Thursday, April 19, 2007
DEOGARH: Police have called a public meeting at Hilang on Thursday in a bid to reach out to the people. Talking to this website's newspaper, Deogarh SP Shafeen Ahmed K said besides hearing people's grievances the administration will also organise a health camp, folk festival and other entertainment and welfare activities.
The decision was taken after the Naxals observed the first death anniversary of the three Naxalites, who were killed on April 18 last year in Barkhol forest under Ada gram panchayat. About 20 ultras were taking rest in Barkhol forest when they were caught unawares and surrounded by security personnel.
In an exchange of fire that ensued, at least three ultras were shot dead. This was followed by a second encounter on July 3, 2006 when four more ultras were gunned down in Raniguda under Jharagagua gram panchayat of Tileibani block. The Naxals have reportedly decided to construct a memorial to commemorate the death of their colleagues at the site. This decision is being considered as a comeback plan of the Naxals, police said.
Newindpress.com
posted by Resistance 4/19/2007 09:41:00 PM,
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posco protest trail marks village tracks
| Bhubaneswar, April 18: Hundreds of children opposed to the 12 million-tonne steel plant by South Korean steelmaker Posco today marched through the dirt tracks of the villages at the proposed steel plant site, a day ahead of chief minister Naveen Patnaik's crucial meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the hurdles facing the project. Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, the outfit that has been spearheading the anti-steel plant agitation since the last two years, has taken a cue from the Ulfa and is planning to put the children in the line of fire during the possible police operation. The rally began in Govindpur and then headed to Dhinkia, the epicentre of anti-Posco protest in the district. Banners scripting anti-Posco sentiments dotted the rally and slogans like "Milimishi ame Posco tadiba, amabhabishyat ame gadhiba" (Kick out Posco and save our homes and hearths) rent the air. as the children marched through the villages covering a distance of 5 km. The villages, where the rally was held, were kept out of bounds for policemen, who were stationed about 15 km away at Kujang, as the villagers erected nine bamboo gates to prevent the entry of the police, the district administration and the Posco officials. Circle inspector of Kujang Anil Mishra said the rally passed off peacefully and no untoward incident was reported. Others like Sarojini Das, Minati Das, Rajesh Swain, Chintu Swain and Biswajit Das promised to protect their land at any cost. "We are ready to face the bullets as the Banara Sena had done during the freedom struggle," said Minati. He also urged Manmohan Singh and Naveen Patnaik to withdraw the Posco project for the interest of the 20,000 villagers, mostly farmers and fishermen.Chief minister Naveen Patnaik, on the other hand, pledged that the project will be implemented with "a humane face and in a peaceful way". "Posco is the biggest FDI project in the country. It will be pursued with a humane face and in a peaceful manner. Our government has worked out the best relief and rehabilitation policy to address the issues of the local people," a PTI report said quoting Patnaik. |
posted by Resistance 4/19/2007 10:01:00 AM,
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