People in Swabhiman Anchal staged a stir in the area on Saturday in protest against the transfer of Malkangiri SP Rishikesh Khilari.
The villagers are of the opinion that, Khilari has a great role in the development of the Swabhiman Anchal and he should be allowed to discharge his duty in Malkangiri for few more years.
“Though, our country got independence in 1997, the people of Swabhiman Anchal were independent during the tenure of Khilari as the SP of Malkangiri district,” said a local.
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“Earlier, the area was the bastion of the Maoist and it was a cut-off from Malkangiri. It was a well-established theatre of several bloody stand-offs between Maoist rebels and security forces. Once littered with landmines, the area was gradually being mainstreamed because of Khilari’s effort. The cut-off area has got a new identification for the officer,” said a villager adding that Khilari should be allowed to continue his service in the district again.
“Road connectivity in the area was only possible for Khilari. We have decided to continue our protest against his transfer. He should continue in his position as the SP of Malkangiri for few more years to carry on the development work in the area,” said another villager.
(Edited by Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)