Indus Valley Times

In the past, this region witnessed bloody battles between Red radicals and security personnel

By A Iswar Rao

MALKANGIRI, AUG. 15: Defying the diktat of the Maoists, the residents of Swabhiman Anchal, a seriously Maoist-hit pocket in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, on Monday celebrated the 76th Independence.

They also participated in numerous other events organised by the district administration as a part of the ongoing ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.’

In the past years, the Maoists would hoist black flags in the area as security personnel could not venture into the region due to the apprehension of guerrilla attack by the rebels.

Like every year, the banned outfit of Communist Party of India (Maoist) had also issued diktat this year asking people not to participate Independence Day programmes organised at the government premises. However, the locals this year hoisted Tiranga at the memorials of Maoist leaders in Jantri, Gorasetu, Ghanabeda and Orapadar in the district.

“Residents of Swabhiman Anchal in Malkangiri showed uncommon zeal to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. We are happy that they observed the day with much fanfare and gaiety,” Nitesh Wadhwani, Superintendent of Police (SP), Malkangiri said.

Swabhiman Anchal, located on the tri-junction of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, has in the past witnessed bloody battles between the security personnel and Maoists. It was infamously known as the graveyard of the security forces. However, the area has now come under complete jurisdiction of the state administration. Thanks to the joints efforts of the civil administrations and paramilitary forces deployed in the area who won the people’s support by carrying out numerous welfare measures.

On the occasion of 76th Independence Day, security was beefed up in Koraput, Malkangiri, Nowarangpur and Rayagada districts. All the entry and exit points of were sealed and police patrolling was also intensified.

All the police stations in most part of South Odisha were put under high alert. To manage the security arrangements an Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP), seven Deputy Superintendent of Police(DSP), seven Inspectors, 25 officers and three platoon force were deployed.

“Security was tightened in view of the celebration of Independence day in Koraput district. The roads joining Jeypore, Rayagada and Sunabeda were sealed for security purposes,” Additional SP, Koraput, Utkal Keshari Das said.

Special Operation Group (SOG) jawans were also deployed in some select parts of South Odisha. Similarly, in Kandhamal district security has been tightened.