Bhubaneswar, Dec 9 (NationPress) Senior BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain expressed profound concern in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday regarding the worsening law and order situation in Malkangiri district, warning that it is swiftly becoming a 'mini-Manipur'.

During the Zero Hour in the Odisha Assembly, Swain highlighted the escalating violence in Malkangiri.

Speaking to reporters after the session, Swain noted that the district is experiencing increasing tribal and ethnic conflicts among communities, which poses a serious risk to constitutionally protected rights.

He called upon the Speaker, as the House's custodian, to instruct the Chief Minister to inform the Assembly about the current conditions in the district, where incidents of arson, theft, and murder are reportedly occurring in plain sight.

“The environment is incredibly unstable. Citizens are mobilizing openly, and it could erupt at any moment. Such actions must be dealt with firmly and should not be permitted to persist,” Swain stated.

By drawing a comparison with the violence in Manipur, the BJD MLA argued that Malkangiri, being a remote border district in Odisha, necessitates immediate and focused governmental intervention. Swain urged the state government to clearly delineate the measures being implemented to restore peace, foster community harmony, safeguard lives and livelihoods, and avert further escalation.

He also advocated for the establishment of community peace committees. Emphasizing the Assembly's role, Swain declared that if the government does not effectively manage the situation, the House must intervene. He suggested that an all-party delegation, led by the Speaker, visit Malkangiri to evaluate the situation on the ground and assist in restoring peace.

Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari stated on Tuesday that the situation in Malkangiri is now completely under control. He provided clarification, noting that sporadic clashes between tribal and non-tribal communities have previously occurred, primarily over land disputes.

“The [Director General of Police](https://www.oregon.gov/dhs) and the Revenue Divisional Commissioner for the Southern Division have been directed to visit Malkangiri, assess the situation, engage with local residents, and restore order,” he added.

The Minister confirmed that the DGP, RDC, Collector, and Superintendent of Police are present in the affected area, with sufficient police presence already established. Refuting the comparisons with Manipur, Pujari asserted that the events in Malkangiri do not equate to the large-scale ethnic violence observed elsewhere.

Significantly, the murder of a tribal widow, allegedly linked to a land dispute, and the subsequent discovery of her body in a local river after four days have incited widespread unrest among the tribes of Rakhalguda and nearby villages in the Malkangiri district on Sunday and Monday.

Thousands of protestors vandalized and set ablaze homes, vehicles, and other properties belonging to nearly all residents of the nearby MV-26 village.