Internet ban extended for fifth time in Malkangiri; Odisha govt reviews situation

The Odisha government extended the internet shutdown in Malkangiri for the fifth consecutive time to prevent any resurgence of violence following days of tension triggered by the brutal killing of a woman allegedly linked to a sharecropping dispute.

Fresh ground reports suggest that normalcy is showing signs of a gradual return in the region. However, authorities stated that the suspension of internet services in the district has now been extended until midnight, as a precautionary measure.

The decision follows continued administrative reviews and high-level interventions aimed at restoring peace between the two affected villages of MV-26 and Rakhelguda.

Violence Rooted In Land Dispute

The unrest broke out after a woman landowner was allegedly beheaded in a dispute over sharecropping, sharply escalating tensions between residents of MV-26 and Rakhelguda villages.

Reports have stated that the killing triggered retaliatory violence, arson, and large-scale displacement fears, prompting the district administration to impose prohibitory measures and suspend internet services to curb misinformation and mobilisation.

According to preliminary assessments by the administration, property damage worth approximately Rs 3.4 crore has been reported in arson incidents linked to the unrest. Several houses were damaged, and the government subsequently constituted four assessment teams to conduct a detailed survey of losses in the affected villages.

High-Level Government Intervention

In response to the deteriorating situation, Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo visited the violence-hit areas and held extensive discussions with residents from both villages. The engagement focused on de-escalation, confidence-building, and exploring avenues for consensus to prevent further conflict.

The Deputy Chief Minister later submitted a detailed report on the situation to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi. Minister Gokulananda Mallik also accompanied Singh Deo during the review and jointly handed over the assessment to the Chief Minister, outlining the sequence of events, administrative response, and ongoing challenges on the ground.

Officials said the Chief Minister was briefed on the overall security situation, relief measures undertaken, and steps initiated to restore long-term peace in the region.

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As part of immediate relief, blankets have already been distributed to villagers impacted by the violence. Officials said additional cooking materials would be supplied shortly to families whose homes were damaged during the unrest.

The administration said the security deployment remains in place in sensitive pockets, while close monitoring of the situation continues to ensure normalcy is restored without further incidents.