Villagers on the run fearing Maoist attack in Malkangiri

Fearing danger to their lives from the Maoist ultras, about 60 tribal families in this district today sought protection from the state government.
The families hailing from Andrapali and Panaspur gram panchayats under Kudumuluguma block met Superintendent of Police and Additional District Magistrate seeking protection.
The family members, comprising women and children, have deserted their houses and taken shelter in different places in the district.
"We are taking steps to ensure their protection. The district administration will take the matter to the government," said SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra, adding that the families needed to be rehabilitated in a safe place.
Malkangiri ADM Ragumani Gamang, who is in-charge as the district collector is on leave, said that he would take steps to provide security to the hapless villagers.

The villagers, who do not want to be named out of fear, claimed that the Maoists had killed two villagers a few days ago suspecting them to be police informers and set several houses on fire.
They said the 60 families had no alternative than fleeing from their houses due to possible assault from the rebels.