Koraput, Feb 2 : Tribals of Koraput district in Orrisa are being provoked by Maoists to oppose the decision of the administration to give 400 acres of land for setting up Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) battalion to fight the Maoists.

Scared that the backlash by the Maoists and threat to intensify their movement, people are opposing the setting up of land in the area.

"Thirty villages in the district are opposed to this decision. We have written to the local representatives and collector. If the authorities do not listen then we would take out protests," said Sonu Majih, a villager.

The villagers also fear that the Maoists will target them and threaten them not to cooperate with the battalion, and the battalion forces, on the other hand will ask the people to be with them.

Officials are taking steps to tell the people that the COBRA battalion will protect them and they need not fear the Maoists.

"... we are ready to talk directly to the people to clarify any of their doubts in this matter," said Deepak Kumar Chauhan, Superintendent of police in Koraput.

The Maoists are active in several states of India including Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. They are also active in some areas of Orissa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. (ANI)