Eleven tribal families from Tikarpada under Kumbhariput panchayat have approached the district administration to help them return home after they were allegedly attacked by Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS), officials said here.
Even as tribals are snapping ties with CMAS which is losing grip over Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon blocks of Koraput district, the families alleged that they were attacked by the Sangh members when they refused to join the outfit and have been living the life of nomads for the last seven months, officials said.
They met the additional district magistrate (ADM) and sub-collector (Koraput) yesterday and requested them to ensure their safe return.
"We were asked to attend a meeting and join the outfit. When we declined, they assaulted us. Fearing more attacks, we had deserted the village. Now, we are living in a small remote village bordering Rayagada district", said a tribal Nala Melaka.
The villagers alleged that after they left their village, the CMAS activists looted their belongings, paddy stocked at their houses and cattle.
"We have been facing lot of difficulties since we left our village. We don't have a regular source of income and deprived of all government benefits, including Rs 1-a-kg rice. We have requested the administration and police to help us return to our village", said Pulanti Meleka, another villager.
ADM (Koraput) Pabitra Mandal said, "Since the incident has come to our notice, we will ensure that the tribals return to their village at the earliest and live without any fear".
