The Nuapada Zila Adivasi Sangha staged a roadblock at Nuapada protesting against the killing of young Gajapati Majhi of Patdarha village by Maoists on Monday. The Maoist group surmised Gajapati of working as an informer for the police. Hundreds of people from tribal community gathered on NH-353 at Ekta Chhak blocking the road for three hours.
“We condemn the killing of tribal people by Maoists, who have already killed 21 of our people; why such brutality towards usIJ” asked tribal leaders.
A meeting was held where leaders of the Sangha spoke against the Maoists and their activities. “They are forcing our people to provide them with food, water and shelter and any form protests against their illicit leads to unjust punishments,” said the leaders.
Bhanupratap Singh Majhi, Vice-President of Nuapada Zila Parishad, said their people have only suffered after the arrival of the Maoists in Nuapada district. “Developmental activities have come to a stand and the tribal communities have suffered at the hands of either Maoists or Police” said Majhi.
The meeting was also addressed by Khariar MlA Duryodhan Majhi, Adivasi Sangha secretary Balakrushna Sabar, Hema Majhi, Muna Majhi, Jemamani Dharua and other tribal leaders of the district. “Police force should be placed at Patdarha to give protection to the people living there,” said Balakrushna Sabar.
The Sangha submitted a memorandum to the district authorities demanding arrest of the Maoists involved in killing of Gajapati, compensation of Rs20 lakh to the family of the deceased, placement of police forces at Patdarha, construction of road from Nangalbod to Sunabeda via Patdarha and completion of road from Bhainsadani to Patdarha.
The road block ended after the Nuapada SP assured that the family members of the deceased would be given an ex gratia of Rs2 lakh.