Malkangiri Violence: Ministers Submit Report to CM as MV-26 Village Struggles to Recover

Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo and Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik on Friday submitted a detailed report to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the prevailing law and order situation in violence-hit MV-26 village of Malkangiri district.

The ministers visited the affected areas, held discussions with district officials, and interacted with representatives of both Adivasi and Bengali communities before briefing the Chief Minister at Lok Seva Bhawan.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Gokulananda Mallik said the team conducted extensive deliberations with the police administration, community members, and local leaders before preparing the report.

“Both communities want peace. The situation is under control. The Chief Minister will take appropriate steps,” he said, adding that several factors were identified as contributors to the unrest.

Village Still in Distress

Even after five days of the violence, MV-26 remains deeply distressed. While some villagers have returned, they are confronted with the heartbreaking sight of charred houses and destroyed belongings. Items bought with income from collecting tola, mahua, and kendu leaves now lie in ashes. Televisions, refrigerators, quilts, utensils—almost everything has been reduced to rubble.

Women, some carrying infants, were seen sitting outside the burnt remains of their homes, weeping inconsolably. Many victims said they do not have a single pair of clothes left. Hunger has added to their suffering, with reports of people running behind vehicles hoping for a handful of food grains. With limited help arriving from neighbouring villages, families are managing with meagre portions of dal and rice.

Fear Across Bengali Villages

Malkangiri district has 214 Bengali villages, many of which are now living in fear. Shops and markets in some areas are barely functioning, while in others, residents are locking their homes at night and taking shelter elsewhere. Though partial normalcy has returned, tension remains palpable in several pockets.

Heavy Security Deployment

To stabilise the situation, 20 companies of CRPF have been deployed around MV-26. BSF units and district police personnel are maintaining strict vigil inside the village. Both Adivasi and Bengali organisations are reportedly initiating peace-building efforts.

Damage Assessment Underway

The district administration has completed a preliminary assessment of losses. Engineers are measuring damage to houses, while the revenue department has documented the extent of burnt property. ICDS teams have supplied food to pregnant women and children, and cooked meals are being served in some affected areas.

In a late-night visit on Thursday, the Southern RDC, accompanied by the Malkangiri Collector, walked through MV-26 to review the situation on the ground.