Bhubaneswar: Accusing security forces of unleashing terror in violence-hit Kandhamal, an organisation working for welfare of tribals on Sunday demanded immediate halt to alleged indiscriminate arrest of tribals and atrocities on women by police.

"People in Kandhamal, particularly tribals, are being terrorised and women are being harassed by security personnel deployed in the district. Their safety and security is in jeopardy," General Secretary of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram Lasmikant Dash alleged at a press conference here.

The economic condition of most of the tribals was in disarray due to curfew for a long period in several areas. "They are facing starvation. Being daily wage earners, they are without work and income and failed to feed their family members," he said.

Claiming that a large number of tribals had fled to deep forests fearing arrest, he said police were tracking the tribals, beating them mercilessly and arresting them.

Security personnel are forcibly entering houses even during night and misbehaving with women, damaging household goods and taking away chicken, goats and vegetables, he alleged adding that government is doing nothing despite complaints.

On the other hand, those sheltered in relief camps are getting free food, medicines, clothes and other essentials. Though tribal women have staged demonstrations demanding work and food, no step had been taken in this regard, Dash said

He demanded immediate arrest of all murderers and conspirators involved in the killing of VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati.

The ashram asked Orissa government to take concrete steps to stop alleged indiscriminate arrest of innocent tribals, atrocity on women by police and probe into such cases by human rights commission and women commission.

Dash said they would lodge an FIR with the police against alleged atrocities and harassment against tribals in Kandhamal.

Pramila Pradhan of Shishapanga in Kandhamal told the press meet that police raided houses in her village even during nights to pick up innocent tribals. "They have also arrested two innocent girls from our village," she claimed

All male members in the village are fleeing apprehending arrest and torture, said Bulima Mallick of Pajima village. "My husband has been away from house for over one month hiding in the forest," she said adding that five persons of her village had been arrested without any fault.

Source : DNA