Villagers in Orissa compelled to migrate due to Maoists' atrocities - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

A number of villagers are compelled to migrate to different places for safety following threats from Maoists in Orissa's Sundergarh district. About 3,000 villagers of the five villages, namely, Jharbeda, Mahubeda, Sanbalijor, Langlakata and Relhatu under Relhatu Gram Panchayat of Sundergarh district in Orissa have deserted their homes due to continuous harassment by the Maoists. The tribal villagers were antagonised by Maoists, who used to demand food from the poor villagers. Maoists used to force them to attend meetings and participate in creating road-blocks during the Bandhs called by the ultras. Naxalites had also directed the villagers that one youth from each household must join the outfit. Any voice of resentment against Maoists' diktat would only mean suffering for the villagers here. On Dec.9, Naxalites abducted four villagers and severely thrashed them before their release "to teach them a lesson". Continuing their ire, Naxals blasted the Gram Panchayat building at Relhatu on December 18. On Dec.23, they blasted three school buildings and a primary health centre. While the villagers remained panic-stricken, the Maoists continued their acts of terror. On January 3, a group of armed Maoist cadres blasted two school building complex and Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery Centre at Relhatu. They also looted over 50 quintals of rice stored in the school building for mid-day meal scheme for the poor tribal children.