Maoists call for poll boycott in Rayagada

Koraput (ODISHA): Maoists have called for boycott of ensuing polls in Rayagada district in Odisha, after issuing the same diktat in nearby Malkangiri and Koraput.

Security forces seized a few posters in Kalyansingpur block yesterday, which carried the rebels' threat to the villagers to stay away from elections and instead assert their rights over forest, water and land.

"We have removed the posters and security forces have been put on high alert to thwart any subversive activity in the region," Rayagada Superintendent of Police Rajesh Pandit said.

Giving call to boycott April 10 and 17 polls, the posters demanded withdrawal of forces engaged in counter-insurgency operations at Muniguda, Bissamkatak and Kalyansinghpur areas of the district.

Police suspect display of posters to be the handiwork of local Maoist sympathisers.

The posters, however, have triggered panic among political parties. "We may not risk venturing into Maoist strongholds for campaigning. A final decision will be taken in two to three days after assessing the situation," said a political leader of Rayagada.

Similar posters had popped up in Malkangiri and Koraput districts previously.