At least 50 tribals, including seven children, deserted Naxal-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS) in Odisha’s Maoist-affected Koraput district, police said on Thursday.
The tribals, who belong to Tala Jamguda village in Bandhugaon area, left the outfit on Wednesday, they said. “The villagers were supporting Maoists out of fear. After they realised that the rebels are using them as shields to carry out their offensives, they decided to return to the mainstream and cooperate with the administration in carrying out development work,” Koraput Superintendent of Police, Awinash Kumar said.
The recent exchange of fire between police and Maoists at Champajhola village adjacent to Tala Jamguda brought villagers under police scanner forcing them to leave CMAS.