Hundreds of tribals from the Niyamgiri hills in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts staged a rally in front of the State Assembly here demanding release of Haribandhu Kadraka, a tribal leader who has been fighting for the rights of the tribal people of Rayagada district for years.
The tribals led by CPI(Ml) New Democracy leader Bhalachandra Sarangi staged a dharna at lower PMG Square and held a public meeting there protesting the police atrocities on tribals in the Niyamgiri hills.
The rally was organised by the All India Kisan Mazdoor Sabha (AIKMS), Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti and lok Sangram Manch.
Sarangi said the State Government arrested the tribal leader to suppress the voice of tribals against the police atrocities and administrative apathy. “Haribandhu is a tribal leader and Rayagada district president of the lok Sangram Manch,” he added.
A tribal youth, Dasru Kadraka, said they would continue their fight till their leader is released. “If needed, we will our fight to the Delhi level,” he added.
Notably, the Muniguda police had arrested Haribandhu on October 20 on the charge of planting landmines at a culvert at Sarabali village and later forwarded him to the court.