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Maoists observe I- Day as black day in districts

BERHAMPUR: Maoists tried to make their presence felt in remote areas of south Orissa by trying to observe the Independence Day as black day on Friday. But no incident of violence was reported from the area.

As per reports Maoists hoisted black flags at some places in Malkangiri, Rayagada and Koraput districts in South Orissa. For the first time they tried to observe Independence Day as black day in Kandhamal district. Posters, banners of Maoists urging the people to observe August 15 as black day were posted in the remote pockets of Daringbadi, Tumudibandh and Brahmanigaon blocks of Kandhamal district. It hinted at the fact that naxals had started to show up their fangs in this communally volatile tribal district.

The Naxals reached the Borgi village under Narayanpatna block in Koraput district on Thursday and hoisted a black flag on the flag post of the local ME school. The Maoists and their supporters involved in the act escaped from the school after hoisting the black flag.

According to Koraput Superintendent of Police (SP), Deepak Kumar, the security personnel immediately removed this black flag and combing operation was heightened in the area to nab the culprits. Amidst extreme tight security the State Minister for Schools and Mass Education, Sanjeev Sahu hoisted the national flag and took the salute of marching police and civilian contingents at Malkangiri stadium. But fear of Maoists had its impact on the Independence Day celebration in remote areas of Malkangiri district. According to sources threat of naxals prevented teachers and students to observe Independence Day in at least six schools under Kalimela and Kurmanoor blocks. The Maoists hung up black banners and posters on trees and public places in remote areas like MPV-88, Bagidata, Hatapada etc. According to Malkangiri SP, Satish Kumar Gajbhiye strict vigil of the police force continued to thwart any attempt of violence by the Maoist vagrants.

In Rayagada district naxal posters and banners against Independence Day celebration and slogans in favour of a Maoist state were seen near Damgasorada, Jarapa, Hanumantpur, Chandrapur villages of Chandrapur block. In the Gudari block of the district black flags and banners by Maoists were reported to be hung to trees on the Gudari-Karlaghat school. As per reports Independence Day could not be observed at schools in Jarapa, Juba and Dhgarasing villages of the district.

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