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Independence Day: Tricolour hoisted atop Maoist memorial for first time in Odisha’s Malkangiri

Malkangiri News: In the past, black flags were hoisted by Maoists in the area as security personnel could not venture into the Swabhiman Anchal, which was once considered to be the hotbed of Maoists

Mirror Now Digital

Updated Aug 15, 2022, 15:00 IST

Tricolour hoisted atop Maoist memorial for first time in Odisha’s Malkangiri

Photo : Twitter

Malkangiri: As India celebrated the “Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” as part of the celebration of 76th Independence Day, the residents of tribal-dominated Swabhiman Anchal (cut-off area) in the Malkangiri district of Odisha also observed the day with a similar vibe and vigour.

The locals this year hoisted Tiranga at the memorials of Maoist leaders in Jantri, Gorasetu, Ghanabeda, and Orapadar in the district for the first time on Independence Day.

In the past, black flags were hoisted by Maoists in the area as security personnel could not venture into the region, which was once considered to be the hotbed of Maoists and the headquarters of the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) of CPI(Maoist), reported OTV.

The banned outfit had even prohibited the hoisting of national flags during Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. Even the government premises in the Swabhiman Anchal were not allowed for to hoist the Tricolor. The Maoists earlier resorted to widespread violence on these occasions. The situation in the Mahupadar-Temurupally axis (Tulasi axis) was also the same.

However, things have been changing because of the combined effort of the state government, the administration and security forces, both state police and central forces. Several developmental initiatives, including the construction of roads, telecom towers, and infrastructure were taken up in recent times.

Many welfare schemes were launched by the state government, including the distribution of smartphones among the local tribals and security camps were established in the remotest parts of Swabhiman Anchal and Mahupadar axis, and massive anti-Naxal operations were conducted in the region which forced the red rebels to either flee the or surrender.

Nitesh Wadhwani, Superintendent of Police (SP), Malkangiri told OTV, “The residents of Malkangiri have the zeal to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. We are confident that there is no support for Maoists here and it is the independence for the Swabhiman Anchal in the true sense.”

The people in the area voluntarily hoisted National Flag at their homes and organised Tiranga rallies. National Flags were hoisted at all schools, offices, houses, and boats in these areas including remote villages like Jantri, Ralegada, and Sarukabandh, which are situated adjacent to the Anahdra Pradesh border, for the first time in 3 decades, stated a BSF release.

Security forces also took out a bike rally to commemorate India’s 76th Independence Day.

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