The district administration of Malkangiri remains committed to the development and welfare of tribal communities. In a significant step towards addressing long-standing issues, Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) Sangram Keshari Mahapatra and District Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay held detailed discussions with representatives of the tribal society at the Collector’s office today.
The meeting, attended by Superintendent of Police Vinod Patil H, Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Bedabar Pradhan, Sub-Collector Ashni A L, and Divisional Forest Officer Sai Kiran, focused on restoring peace in the district and resolving key tribal concerns. The RDC emphasized efforts to bring back normalcy, similar to previous times, while thoroughly discussing historical revenue matters, land pattas, and rehabilitation of displaced persons.
Relief operations in MV-26 village are progressing rapidly in accordance with government guidelines. Special attention was given to empowering tribal youth through MSME and livelihood programs to make them economically self-reliant. Tribal representatives raised nine specific issues during the meeting, including Regulation 2/56 cases, rehabilitation of families displaced by government projects (particularly in Taralakota A, B, C and Chitapari 1, 2, 3), land pattas for individuals and communities affected by the Machhkund Hydroelectric Project, illegal land occupation in rural and urban areas, and problems near irrigation projects.
A major demand was the appointment of teachers fluent in tribal languages (Bonda, Koya, Kandha, Didayi, and Paraja) in schools in tribal-dominated villages to improve education outcomes. The tribal society also urged priority for hostel facilities for tribal students.
In a separate joint press conference, District Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay and SP Vinod Patil announced that Section 163 of the BNSS has been lifted from MV-26 village, with most residents returning home and peace fully restored. Internet services will remain suspended for another 36 hours, until Monday afternoon at 12 PM. Peace committee meetings have been successful, fostering harmony among all sections.
Relief measures include ₹30,000 already provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the children of the deceased woman, with a request sent for an additional ₹4 lakh. Damage assessment estimates losses at around ₹40 lakh, and a report has been submitted to the state government. Electricity has been restored, hot cooked meals are being served twice daily, and essential items like blankets, clothing, and tarpaulin are being distributed. Drinking water supply has been fixed, dry rations provided to school children, and special arrangements made for pregnant women and infants. Schools and anganwadi centers will reopen soon, with uniforms and other materials to be supplied.
The SP informed that six persons have been arrested in connection with the arson incident in MV-26 village.
