Rayagada: The third phase of the panchayat elections in Odisha, polling for which was held on Sunday, held a special significance for the Dongria Kondh community of Chatikona village under Parasali panchayat of Niyamgiri in Rayagada district.
The tribal community is voting in elections after a gap of 15 years.
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The area was under Maoist control for years, who struck fear and forced villagers to boycott elections. Today, the area is free of Maoist control and the tribals feel that the panchayat elections will open the doors to the region’s economic and social development.
Niyamgiri area, which comprises 11 wards, has 1,619 voters.
Meanwhile, a tiffin bomb was recovered by security forces during combing operations in Niyamgiri.
