5 villagers return, Odisha DGP dubs them as "militia"

Five of the 11 villagers, allegedly abducted by Maoists three days ago, today returned to their villages in Mathili area of Odisha's Malkangiri district even as DGP Sanjeev Marik described them as "militia" and "sympathiser" of red rebels.
"Five of the 11 persons who were suspected to have been taken by Maoists came back to their houses. It is not a case of abduction. The villagers had gone with Maoists on their own. They are members of militia group and sympathisers of maoists," Marik told reporters here.
It was earlier suspected that Maoists had on Monday night kidnapped 11 persons including a former block chairman, Trinath Bhumia from Kirtanpalli and Barha villages.

While Tirnath Bhumia of Kirtanpalli and Bonduku Golar of Barha village returned last night, three others are on their way back, police said.
"Efforts are on to trace the remaining persons," Marik said.
Inspector General of Police (South West), Y K Jethwa said the five villagers who have come back after being taken away on Monday night would be examined by the police to ascertain whether they have links with Maoists.

"If any Maoist connection is found, the villagers will be persuaded to return to the social mainstream and proper rehabilitation measures will be taken," he said.
Stating that the police are keeping a close watch on the movement of the Maoists in Mathili area, the DGP said, "Police operations are planned to nab the ultras operating in the areas in Malkangiri district bordering Chhattisgarh."

Sources said the security personnel have already launched operation in the area to locate the maoists camp bordering Chhattisgarh.