Over 500 tribals of Maoist-dominated Narayanpatna area in Odisha's Koraput district today deserted the Chasi Muliya Adivasi Sangh (CMAS), backed by the red rebels, and openly supported the police.
Villagers of Kanchanpadu, Kumbhari, Rangumguda and Siriguda of Kumbhari panchayat announced their decision to snap ties with the CMAS and expressed desire to return to the mainstream before the security personnel belonging to BSF and state police at Kumbhari.
"The development is a setback for the CMAS which is involved in violent activities in the district. In coming days, more tribals will snap ties with the CMAS. Steps will be taken to ensure that the villagers lead a fearless life," said Koraput SP Awinash Kumar.
Around 1,800 CMAS activists have deserted the CMAS since January opposing its violent activities.
Supported by the Maoists, the CMAS had ruled the roost in Narayanpatna for the past four years. Since 2009, it has occupied over 3,000 acres of non-tribal land claiming the non-tribals had taken by deceit.
