Tension in Odisha’s Malkangiri district has begun to ease after a peace agreement was reached between MV-26 and Rakhelguda villages. The settlement follows several days of unrest triggered by the recovery of a woman’s headless body last weekend.
According to official sources, a Joint Peace Committee meeting was convened at the Malkangiri District Collector’s office, where representatives from both villages participated. The discussions concluded peacefully, with both sides agreeing to end hostilities and maintain harmony.
Peace Restored After District-Level Meeting
Authorities confirmed that detailed conversations were held with community members from both villages in the presence of senior officials, including the DIG and the Superintendent of Police. No fresh incidents have been reported in the last 24 hours.
Police and administrative teams assisted in performing the last rites of the deceased woman, five days after the incident. Meanwhile, internet restrictions, imposed on Monday evening, have been extended for another 18 hours. BNS Section 163 remains in force to maintain law and order.
A member of the Peace Committee stated that residents from both villages acknowledged that violence must not continue.
“The attack on MV-26 was not right. People from both villages have reunited and formed a Peace Committee. We will ensure that no community in the district faces violence in the coming days and that a peaceful brotherhood is maintained,” the member said.
Administration: Situation Has Returned to Normal
Superintendent of Police Vinod Patil confirmed that the situation has stabilised.
“The two villages have completely resolved their differences. We appeal to everyone to maintain peace and unity. The situation is now normal, and security forces remain deployed to ensure calm,” he said.
Malkangiri Collector Somesh Upadhyay noted that legal restrictions and police deployment will continue while authorities monitor developments closely.
“BNS Section 163 remains in force along with police and CRPF deployment. These measures ensure close surveillance of any potential disruptive activity. We will repair damaged houses and ensure displaced families return safely to their homes,” he assured.
Unrest Followed Discovery of Headless Body
The unrest began after a woman from Rakhelguda went missing on December 3. She was found dead along the Dudameta riverbank on December 4, her body discovered without the head.
The shocking incident triggered clashes between the two villages, resulting in arson in MV-26 and large gatherings in Malkangiri town. Thousands assembled at various locations, including groups armed with traditional weapons. To prevent further escalation, district authorities suspended internet services for 24 hours from Monday evening after senior police officers reviewed the situation.
