Maoists in Odisha put up banners warning timber mafia against felling of trees

Maoists have put up posters and banners in Odisha's tribal district Koraput warning timber mafia against felling of trees in the district.
The rebels have put up posters and banners at several places under Lamataput block alleging indiscriminate felling of trees by the timber mafia in connivance with officials in Lamtaput forest range, Superintendent of Police (Koraput) Awinash Kumar said.
"We have asked them to stop their illegal activities, failing which they will be punished. Forest officials who are hand in gloves with the timber mafia will also be taken to task," read a Maoist banner put up at Gunaipada on Saturday, the sixth day of the Martyrs' Week being observed by the Maoists since July 28.
The Maoists have asked villagers too not to cut trees and alleged that tribals were being harassed by security men and warned of retaliation.
The depleting forest cover has turned to be a major concern for them as without the thick forests they find it difficult to hide and organise camps.
Kumar said the Maoist banners and posters have been seized and no untoward incident was reported.
"Putting up of posters and banners is the handiwork of some local Maoist supporters. At present the situation is under control. Our men are on high alert and all required security arrangements have been made to avoid any untoward incident during their Martyrs' Week," he said.
Maoists observe the week from July 28 to August 3 every year to pay tribute to their dead leaders and cadres.