Nachika Linga, leader of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS), who has remained underground for over four years, is likely to appear in public on Tuesday.
Mr. Linga is in the `most wanted’ list of Odisha police for his alleged involvement in agitating for land rights and the attack on Narayanpatna police station in 2009.
The CMAS leader is likely to address a gathering of tribals in the presence of social activists and media persons in Narayanpatna area on Tuesday. Mr. Linga may be taken into custody when he appears in public.
Mr. Linga is likely to contest the forthcoming Assembly elections in the State as an Independent candidate from Laxmipur constituency.
CMAS, a mass organisation of tribals in Narayanpatna, in Koraput district, has been demanding proper land settlement in Narayanpatna block for many years. The tribal leader has been leading an agitation against encroachment of tribal land by non-tribals in Narayanpatna area for a long time. The agitating tribals have also been opposing liquor trade in their locality.
He was arrested in 2005..He, however, intensified the agitation after his release from jail in 2007.
The agitating tribals of the CMAS had also taken possession of about 2000 acres of land. The land disputes have remained unresolved till date.
Mr. Linga had gone into hiding in the aftermath of the clash involving the tribals and police, when the tribals had gone to gherao Narayanpatna police station to highlight their demands. Two tribals were killed in police firing during the clash. The police had declared Mr. Linga `most wanted’ after the incident.
The tribal people living in about 80 hamlets have been actively involved in the agitation being spearheaded by CMAS.
Hundreds of paramilitary force personnel have been deployed in Narayanpatna since early 2010 to maintain law and order in the area that is know for Maoist activities from time to time.
Jhina Hikaka, the Biju Janata Dal legislator representing the area, was kidnapped by Maoists a few years ago. He was released after several weeks.
