•Villagers in Odisha's Malkangiri district dismantled 20 'Naxal Smaraks', memorials set up by CPI (Maoist) cadres.
•The structures were removed in Swabhiman Aanchal and interior areas of Kalimela, Mathili, and Khairput.
•Malkangiri SP Vinodh Patil stated this move indicates changing ground realities and people's preference for peace and development.
•Villagers collectively decided the memorials no longer represented their aspirations, citing years of extremist influence causing fear and stalling development.
•Consistent efforts by district police and civil administration, including community policing and welfare activities, strengthened trust, leading to a desire for peace.
