Bhubaneswar, February 26: In a significant shift, villagers in Malkangiri's Mathili, Kalimela, Khairaput, and Chitrakonda areas have demolished over 20 Maoist "martyr columns"—memorials honoring slain insurgents.

These pillars, built by CPI (Maoist) cadres in remote areas, once symbolized past rebel activities.

Locals took matters into their own hands, expressing a desire to erase the remnants of insurgency from their communities. With improved government development, welfare schemes, and better connectivity, residents emphasized that peace now prevails, and violence has ended.

These areas, once Maoist strongholds near the Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh borders, had long been plagued by ambushes and clashes. The demolitions come after Malkangiri's recent declaration as a Maoist-free zone, following the surrender of rebel leaders and sustained security efforts.