MALKANGIRI : THE week-long Martyrs’ Week being observed by the Maoists concluded on Wednesday with no incidents of violence reported from anywhere in the district. Intelligence sources said Maoists restricted movements to their hideouts in the wake of intensified area domination operation by the paramilitary forces and State Police. The police and security forces in remote areas were extra vigilant apprehending violence during the week, said a senior police officer. Despite night patrolling and area domination exercises in all sensitive places, the Red rebels managed to garner good response with top leaders from across the border offering tributes at the temporary pylons. A series of functions were organised in remote revenue villages under Kalimela, Motu, Podia, MV-79, Chitrakonda, Mathili, Khairput and Orkel police limits, sources said.
If reports coming from interior pockets are to be believed, the rebels have unveiled at least 50temporary martyr domes which were erected during the week with the support of local tribals. The rebels have also reportedly recruited some cadres during the week. Vehicular traffic was badly affected in the district with most buses between Malkangiri and Jeypore remaining off the road, while OSRTC authority cancelled plying of State-owned buses on the route as a preventive measure to avert any untoward incident. Attendance at Government offices in Kalimela, Motu, Chitrakonda, Govindapalli, Podia and MV-79 was thin. Postal services too were affected.
The Maoists observe the week from July 28 every year to mourn the death of their cadres and concentrate on recruitment.