Tribals seek CRPF exit from Kandhamal

Assuring that tribals will never indulge in violence at riot-ravaged Kandhamal district, the Kui Samaj Samanwaya Samiti on Monday demanded an immediate withdrawal of CRPF jawans from rural pockets of the tribal dominated district.

"I can assure in writing that the tribals will never go for violence again as the state government has announced a good package for Kandhamal," Samiti secretary Lambodar Kanhar told PTI over phone.

Kanhar, who addressed a tribal convention in the district on Sunday, said the community was strongly resenting the heavy presence of CRPF jawans in villages.

"The jawans had set a reign of terror among the innocent tribal population in villages," Kanhar alleged, adding that the Samiti had no objection if the jawans were kept in reserve in urban pockets.

"If the government has faith on my words, it should pull out jawans from villages," he said.

A large number of innocent tribals had been arrested, which virtually sparked tension among the community members, he claimed.

For instance, Kanhar said, the jawans arrested three school students from Sankarakhol area while they were on their way to play football at the school ground.

He alleged that the jawans also caned shopkeepers at Raikia town, asking them to open shops even as a prohibitory order under section 144 of CrPC was in force.