Bhubaneswar: Numerous posters have appeared throughout the Malkangiri district, distributed by the Undivided Koraput Adivasi Suraksha Manch. These posters urge local tribal youth and girls to leave the Maoist organisation and return to their villages and families. They have surfaced in areas significantly affected by Maoism, including the Kalimela, Chitrokonda, and Mathili blocks.
“For a long time, tribal brothers and sisters in our region have been leaving their families to join the Maoist organization. In doing so, they face numerous hardships and become victims of oppression at the hands of non-tribal Maoist leaders, forcing them to live in hiding in the forests. Many have tragically lost their lives in encounters with security personnel in other states. In light of this situation, we appeal to those tribal individuals who have joined the Maoist organization to abandon the path of violence. We urge them to surrender to the administration and take advantage of the Odisha government’s rehabilitation policy, allowing them to reintegrate into mainstream society. They should return to their homes, villages, and families to live healthy and safe lives among their loved ones. ” read the posters.
This poster highlights the mistreatment of tribal boys and girls within the Maoist organization. Evidence shows that Maoist leaders regard tribal youth with contempt. They are forced to perform menial tasks, such as washing clothes and carrying goods. Additionally, the higher-ups in the Maoist hierarchy compel tribal girls to engage in degrading activities like massaging their feet.
The poster states that Uday alias Ganesh who identified himself as the secretary of the Andhra-Odisha Border Zonal Committee, along with his associates, recently raped a tribal girl named Nilesha, also known as Radha. Following this, the girl was murdered, and her body was discarded in the jungle.
The poster claims that leaders of the Maoist organisation are forcibly abducting many young girls from the Swabhiman area of Malkangiri and subjecting them to harassment. We are deeply concerned about this situation. Even when these girls try to leave the party and return home, Secretary Uday obstructs their return and coerces them to work with him in Chhattisgarh.
The poster states that media reports often reveal that when security personnel dismantle Maoist camps, they frequently discover contraceptive pills and condoms. This raises concerns for the safety of our girls, as it suggests that Maoist leaders are jeopardizing their lives.
In light of this, we urge all tribal youth involved in the Maoist organisation to surrender and reintegrate into society, returning to their communities and families.
