KORAPUT / BHUBANESWAR: The hunt for Nachika Linga, head of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS), got hotter as security forces came under fire today at a village during their search operation.
Albeit no one was injured in the incident, police arrested seven members of the tribal outfit soon after. The CMAS chieftain, however, continued to be elusive and attended the final rites of the two members who were killed during Saturday’s protest which had turned violent.
Sources said, the cremation was held today at Padapadar village in front of a large gathering. Left leaders such as Prafulla Samantray, Tripati Gomango, Bhala Chandra Sarangi and Dandapani Mohanty were present. Linga too attended the cremation and was believed to have addressed the members urging them to hit back at the administration. “The struggle will continue till the goal is achieved,” he reportedly said.
Meanwhile, a unit of the security forces continued its search in the villages door-to-door looking for the members of CMAS and Linga. During the operation at Narikelua village, the police force reportedly came under heavy firing and retaliated. Ghenua Bahini, military unit of the outfit, is stated to be behind the firing which, however, was refuted by CMAS as rubbish.
The Ghenua Bahini head Wadeka Singana and member Nachika Andrew were killed in the firing on Saturday.
Soon after the firing, police picked up seven more members taking the total arrests to 29. Eighteen of the arrested CMAS members were produced before a local court.
Even as the police continued to make arrests, it faced with a dilemma since a number of villagers reportedly said they were coerced to join the struggle led by CMAS. “Prima facie, their version appeared true since these villagers have no defence against the aggressive CMAS army,” said a police officer.
Meanwhile, the situation in Narayanpatna continued to be tense even as about 40 platoons of security personnel were deployed to control the law and order situation.
The Left leaders who attended the cremation accused local administration of using excessive force against the tribals who are fighting for their just land rights.