Tensions have spread in the area after Maoist banners were recovered at three places in Odisha's Rayagada district. These banners were seen at various places under Chandili police station on Friday. Police have increased vigil in the wake of the incident.
The banners, written in Oriya, allegedly use the name of Communist Party of India (Maoist). They criticize some former Maoist leaders - Sabyasachi Panda, Azad, Uday and Niranjan Raut alias Nikhil. The posters allege that they are not tribals and have served their own interests by keeping the tribal community in the Naxalite organization.
The mention of Niranjan Raut alias Nikhil's name is particularly significant. Recently, he and his wife Rashmita Lenka alias Indu surrendered under the surrender and rehabilitation policy of the state government. A reward of Rs 55 lakh each was announced on their heads. According to the administration, the surrender has dealt a major blow to the organisational strength and morale of the banned outfit in parts of South Odisha.
Sources claim that the new banners may have been put up to offset the impact of the recent high-profile surrender and to make their presence known. It is also believed that the organisation is trying to send a message to the remaining cadres by publicly denying and criticising former leaders.
Additional forces have been deployed in the area. The administration says that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that no untoward incident occurs.
The banners further claim that state secretary Meghjani, Dambai Majhi
and other members of the organization are ready to give a 'befitting
reply'. The slogan 'Lal Salaam' is also mentioned there.
Rayagada district is on high alert over the entire incident. The
administration is not ruling out any possibility till the police
investigation is completed.
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