Bhubaneswar, 9 December (H.S.): Senior opposition BJD legislator Raja Swain on Tuesday raised serious concerns over communal tensions and incidents of arson in Malkangiri during the Zero Hour in the Odisha Assembly. He urged the Speaker to direct Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to make a statement in the House regarding the situation.

Speaking during Zero Hour, Raja Swain said that “Malkangiri is burning, and the situation could soon escalate to a scale similar to Kandhamal. Homes have been destroyed, lives and property are at risk, yet we are sitting in the Assembly while a significant part of the state is engulfed in violence and unrest.”

He called for immediate intervention by the Chief Minister and demanded that the government take prompt action to restore peace. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the MLA pointed out that around 150,000 tribal residents live in Malkangiri, and the state administration has so far remained silent.

Raja Swain requested the Speaker to urge the Chief Minister to provide a statement in the Assembly, emphasizing that it is imperative for the government to acknowledge the issue and take responsibility for maintaining law and order.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda