Article from The Hindu: Presence of top officials saves the situation at Laxmipur

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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com/2009/09/09/stories/2009090952930300.htm)
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Presence of top officials saves the situation at Laxmipur

Staff Reporter

Local people opposing the rally proposed by CMAS present in strength

CMAS activists persuaded to return from the outskirts, says district CollectorNon-tribals have taken over tribal land, says Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh

BERHAMPUR: Strict measures by police and administration averted a violent clash at Laxmipur in Koraput district on Tuesday.
The Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) of Narayanpatna block was again in the crux of this tension at Laxmipur. They had given call for a large rally at Laxmipur on Tuesday. According to sources, it was an attempt by the group to expand its hold to Laxmipur block. It may be noted that the CMAS groups of Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon blocks are now at loggerheads. The law and order situation had aggravated following death of a person from Bandhugaon group in a clash on Sunday. Houses and lemon grass processing units have also been torched during violent activities by both groups during past few days.
The Laxmipur rally was significant as the Narayanpatna CMAS was organising it in the backdrop of its clash with CMAS of Bandhugaon. But Laxmipur block is dominated by non-tribals, who are opposed to activities of CMAS. The violent activities of CMAS have led to exodus of non-tribals in Narayanpatna block during past few months.
The inhabitants of Laxmipur had opposed the proposed armed rally by CMAS activists in their village. They had got the support of inhabitants of adjoining Dasmantpur block.
Since morning around 2,000 persons of Laxmipur and Dasmantpur blocks had gathered at Laxmipur village with traditional arms. They had decided not to let the CMAS activists enter their village.
Around 5,000 CMAS activists from Narayanpana block in red attire and traditional arms in hand also reached the outskirts of Laxmipur in the morning. They demanded release of two of their members who were arrested by personnel of Laxmipur police station on charges of destruction of liquor units. But heavy police presence did not let them enter Laxmipur.

Police presence

Thirty five platoons of armed policemen were deployed to check possibilities of any clash between these groups. The Additional Director-General (ADG) of Police, Prakash Mishra, Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police, Sanjib Panda, Rayagada Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashis Kumar Singh and Koraput Collector Gadadhar Parida were present at Laxmipur to monitor the situation.
Mr Parida said through discussion they could persuade the CMAS activists not to enter Laxmipur village. The CMAS activists held a meeting on the outskirts of Laxmipur and departed. During the meeting they repeated their old allegations that non-tribals had taken over tribal land by deceit.
The administration and police do not want violent activities of CMAS extend to Laxmipur block as it would affect communication between Rayagada and Koraput districts.
Road blockades by felling trees to make areas cut off from outside world has become forte of CMAS.

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