BJD in trouble over memogate

BHUBANESWAR: Even as the State Government grapples with hostage crisis, the Congress on Monday released a memorandum, submitted by BJD leaders from Koraput district, including three MLAs and one MP, to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.  The memo suggests that the leaders of the regional outfit are in close contact with the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS). It was submitted on March 13. The MP is Jayaram Pangi while the MLAs are Jhina Hikaka, who is abducted, Rabi Nanda and Raghuram Podal. Stating that there is allegation of police excesses in Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon areas in the name of combing operation, the MLAs and the MP had demanded necessary steps to safeguard the interests of the tribal villagers. Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon areas are considered to be CMAS and Maoist strongholds and remain out of bounds to the district administration. They maintained that a number of criminal cases are pending against the members of the CMAS who were acquitted by different courts. Besides, cases against absconding accused persons are also pending in different courts. “We humbly inform you that there is no meaning in proceeding with the cases where co-accused have been acquitted,” they said. Naveen was requested to initiate steps for withdrawal of the cases pending in different courts. The MLAs and the MP demanded a judicial probe into the alleged rape of a tribal woman. They further demanded Scheduled Tribe status to Nokadora and Kondadora. Describing Mali and Deomali mountains as visitors’ paradise bearing cultural heritage of the area, the law-makers demanded that these be preserved and declared as tourist draws. This would facilitate conservation of ecology as well as flora and fauna, they claimed. Releasing the letter, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh alleged that this has established the BJD’s links with the CMAS, considered a front of the Maoists. Reiterating the demand for a CBI probe into the agreement reached between the two for election of Zilla Parishad (ZP) president post in Koraput district, Singh alleged that its non-fulfilment is one of the main reasons behind the kidnapping of the MLA.