OTV Exclusive: Permanent Maoist Camp In Odisha Raises Concerns

Malkangiri: "Will further intensify anti-Maoist operations and make the Swabhiman Anchal Maoist-free," was what Police DG B K Sharma had said a couple of days back during his visit to the south western range. But the path to that goal could me more challenging than expected as a permanent camp, a library and a saheed smruti pitha of Maoists have been found in the same region raising grave concerns.

An OTV team reached the spot by making its way through the dense forests and after covering a distance of around 70 km via water. A building with barbwire fencing is believed to be the permanent camp of the Maoists in the region. The building is called as 'Janata Shiksha Pathshala and also 'saheed bhawan.'

In the building, there were pictures of as many as 30 Maoists who had lost their lives during Ramaguda encounter with the security forces. All the pictures had names and designations of the deceased and they were portrayed in manner to motivate the next generation.

Surprisingly, the building has an electricity connection as well. As per reports, the red rebels visit this place every year during their 'saheed saptah' or martyrs' week and several cultural programmes are organised. As the building is just a few kilometres away from the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, top Maoist leaders of both Odisha and Andhra reportedly visit this place to discuss their strategies.

While the Odisha government has declared the region as 'Swabhiman Anchal,' such a permanent establishment of the Maoists raises serious concerns.