Bhubaneswar: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has sought an action taken report (ATR) from the Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Odisha’s Malkangiri regarding a recent clash between Bengali settlers and tribal communities in the district.
The incident had come to the fore following the alleged killing of a woman, whose beheaded body was found a few days ago, triggering tension between the two groups.
Conflict between Bengali settlers and tribals in the district had escalated after the alleged murder of the Koya tribal woman. A representation on ‘violation of the tribal rights’ was subsequently submitted by an Executive Member of the Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, South East Zone (Andhra and Southern Odisha).
Taking serious note of the unrest, the NCST has issued notice and sought a detailed report from the district administration. The Commission observed that the situation escalated due to growing tension between the two communities, leading to law and order concerns.
The Commission has directed the Collector and the SP to submit their responses within three days, explaining the circumstances that led to the conflict and the steps taken to restore peace and protect tribal interests. The ST Commission’s intervention highlights the gravity of the issue and the need for prompt administrative action.
