The post-Malkangiri collector hostage crisis period has seen a sudden spurt in violence in the Maoist-hit districts of Orissa. At least 22 persons, including nine tribals and nine security personnel, have been killed by the rebels while 45 civilians have allegedly died in anti-Naxal operations.
As it appears, the rebels have changed their strategy since the February 16 abduction of ex-Malkangiri collector R. Vineel Krishna and junior engineer Pabitra Mohan Majhi — they have no longer confined themselves to their old tactic of killing constables and home guards only, but also indulging in destroying public property, looting people, blocking traffic on highways and attacking families whom they suspected to be police informers.
The state government, which conceded to all the 14 demands of the Maoists to secure freedom of the ex-Malkangiri collector and junior engineer from the Maoists, has faced severe flak from all quarters for failing to initiate serious action against the extremists.
On the other hand, the Maoists have also been criticised breach of trust by unleashing a murder spree despite the state government taking all steps to release their cadres from jails.
Under sever criticism from the civil societies, Dandapani Mohanty, one of the three interlocutors who negotiated between the state government and rebels during the hostage crisis in March, on Sunday appealed the Maoists to shun violence and honour their words.
“You (Maoists) promised ceasefire. You have to honour your works. The state government also keep its words and should not indulge in killing of innocent tribals in the name of anti-Naxal operations,” Mr Mohanty told reporters here. “I am all for peace in society. There are allegations coming in from the Maoists’ side that security personnel have killed nearly 45 of their men. We are verifying the truth and appeal the Maoists not to be harsh on the poor tribals,” he said.