MALKANGIRI/JEYPORE:Even as no nomination papers were filed for the posts of ward member and sarpanch in nine panchayats of the cut-off region of Chitrakonda reservoir in fear of Maoist violence, Director General of Police (DGP) KB Singh on Friday said the security forces were ready to ensure free and peaceful panchayat election in the area.
Speaking to media persons here, Singh said despite the Maoist threat, nominations have been filed in two wards of the cut-off region. Stating that the Red rebels were resorting to unlawful activities as they have lost the confidence of the local people, he said no Odia people have joined the banned outfit.
The DGP said adequate security will be provided at block level so that the people can exercise their right to vote without any fear. Besides, special patrolling operations will be carried out in the region on the polling day. Polling parties and booths would be provided adequate security, he said.
However, Singh admitted that innocent tribals were affected in the Maoist-police crossfire but he said the number of such cases may be one or two. The security forces have been aggressively undertaking anti-Maoist operation in the region and its result is visible on the ground.
Earlier, the DGP visited Jodamba in the cut-off region and held discussion with the police and BSF officials deployed there. At a meeting with IG (Operation) RP Koche, DIG (South Western Range) S Shyni and SP Mitrabhanu Mahapatra, Singh took stock of the security situation in the district.
At Jeypore, DGP Singh said the activities of Maoists in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada and Nabarangpur districts have come down drastically due to police action and development works by the government agencies. “The Maoist groups have been scattered and there is no support from villagers for their unruly acts,” the DGP said at a press meet in Koraput.
“Necessary action would be taken for security of polling officials in the hyper sensitive booths and police would keep 24-hour vigil in those areas,” Singh said. Stating that the Maoists were pasting posters threatening the voters out of frustration, he said the rebels have no courage to fight with police.
The DGP, who came to Koraput in the evening, reviewed the law and order situation with SPs of Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada and Nabarangpur districts. State Intelligence Director Sunil Roy was also present.