Rourkela, Nov. 26: Police have organised a public relations exercise at Mahupada, known to be a Maoist hotspot.

The Jana Sampark Sibir (mass contact camp), which included a hockey tournament, was led by Rourkela police superintendent Anirudha Singh and his colleagues from Bonai, K. Balang, Chandiposh and other areas.

"The Odisha-Jharkhand border is just half kilometre from the place, where we conducted the camp yesterday," said Singh.

A few years ago, the Maoists gunned down Chandiposh police station sub-inspector Ajit Bardhan at Mahupada while he was returning from Rourkela. "We plan to conduct about 12 such camps in the remote places where there is a heavy presence of Maoists," Singh said.

About 1,500 people from nearby villages such as Relkhatu, Sanbalijore, Nuagaon and Jarda took part in the camp. The cops organised the one-day hockey championship with 10 teams taking part.

In the final, Relhatu defeated Sanbalijore and lifted the champion's trophy. "We have to involve the villagers and engage them in such activities, so that they stay from Maoist influence," said Singh.

"This kind of activities has also helped the police in strengthening its intelligence gathering. Besides, it also increases confidence among villagers in the police."

Song and dance competitions were also held at the camp. "Song and dance being an integral part of tribal lives, we could not forget that."

The winners celebrated by playing drums and other traditional instruments. The police also distributed blankets and saris to many senior citizens among those present. School students of Mahupada and Jharbeda were given textbooks and other study material.