Maoist Guns Fall Silent for Relief Works

KORAPUT: In a rare show of sympathy towards people affected by cyclone Hud Hud, the Maoists have not created any disturbance during rescue and relief operations carried out by Government agencies in the tribal dominated district.

Maoist hotbeds like Narayanpatana, Bandhugam, Pottangi, Nandapur, Lamataput and Boipariguda were ravaged by the cyclone. The administration had a major task in hand to restore communication as more than 300 kms of roads linking the district with other parts of the State were damaged by Hud Hud or breached by accompanying heavy rain. Apprehending trouble from the ultras, Government agencies were initially hesitant to carry out restoration work in the areas. However, their fear was put to rest as rescue and restoration works were carried out peacefully without any resistance from the Maoists. On earlier occasions, the administration used to seek help of police to carry out development works in the areas. 

“Maximum restoration work was achieved in Maoist-hit areas and there was no resistance from Maoists,” said a senior official of NDRAF team working near Mantriamba, where eight cops were killed in Maoist attack a few years back. Similarly, power supply was restored successfully in Maoist pockets of the district by Southco. 

“We have been getting support from the villagers irrespective of their Maoist affiliation which is a healthy step towards rehabilitation process of the cyclone affected people,” said an engineer of Southco working in Maoist-prone Narayanpatna. 

Remarkably, while leaders of political parties are yet to reach cyclone affected areas, lack of resistance by the Maoists has come as relief to the people and administration.

Source http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Maoist-Guns-Fall-Silent-for-Relief-Works/2014/10/17/article2481972.ece