Bhubaneswar, December 9: Senior BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain on Tuesday raised concerns in the Odisha Assembly about the deteriorating law and order in Malkangiri district, calling it a "mini-Manipur." Speaking during Zero Hour, Swain highlighted rising tribal and ethnic tensions, warning that it posed a threat to constitutional rights.

Swain urged the Speaker to direct the Chief Minister to brief the Assembly on the situation, citing reports of arson, looting, and murders in broad daylight. He called for strong government intervention to prevent further escalation, drawing comparisons to the violence in Manipur. Swain demanded clarity on measures to restore peace, promote community harmony, and protect citizens. He also suggested forming local peace committees and proposed an all-party delegation visit to Malkangiri.

In response, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari assured the Assembly that the situation was under control. He explained that past conflicts in the region were mainly over land disputes between tribal and non-tribal communities. Pujari denied comparisons to Manipur, stating that the violence was not on a large scale.

The unrest was triggered by the murder of a tribal widow over a land dispute, with her body found in a river after four days. This led to violence in Rakhalguda and nearby villages, with property damage and widespread agitation.