Maoist audio tape opposes Gurupriya bridge

Malkangiri: In an audio tape released by Kailash, a Maoist leader in this tribal-dominated district, the Red rebels have appealed for more relief for the flood-affected Adivasis in the region and criticised the state government for the construction of Gurupriya bridge. Criticising the state government for constructing the Gurupriya bridge, the rebel leader said that the government should not be applauded for the bridge as it is not a remarkable feat. Instead, he has blamed the government for exploiting the Adivasis in the region further by building the connector. The ultras have been opposing the Gurupriya bridge since the inception of its idea alleging that it will act against the interests of the tribals in the cut-off region in Malkangiri. The bridge that was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik earlier this year, aims to connect 151 villages of 8 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the cut-off area.