Koraput: Maoists have warned an unidentified Malkangiri native of dire consequences for allegedly defaming them by putting up anti-Naxalite posters.

In a letter to reporters on Sunday, the Maoists warned "Bharat Bhusan", who undersigns the anti-Maoist poster, that he would be punished for his "false propaganda".

"While the Maoists are fighting for the legitimate rights of the tribals on land, forest and water, Bharat Bhusan has launched a false propaganda in which the Naxals are portrayed as perpetrators. Hence, he will be punished," read the letter.

"Naxals had not displaced the tribals for Balimela hydro project. It's the government which had displaced the villagers in the mid-60s and left them to suffer. It's only the Maoists who are fighting for their development."

The rebels have also urged the state government to facilitate the admission of over 2,000 students in Chitrakonda block who were allegedly forced to discontinue studies for lack of caste certificates.

The Maoists reiterated that the Gurupriya bridge had been constructed not for the development of the cut-off region, but to plunder the natural resources of the area.

Several posters portraying the violence of the rebels and urging villagers not to support their movement have surfaced in Malkangiri over the past few months.

Though the man behind the posters claims to be one Bharat Bhusan, the person has remained unknown.

Police said the rebels were frustrated as their tribal support base was dwindling in the district as the villagers had realised that they got nothing by supporting their movement.

"We appeal to the Maoists to surrender and avail these elves of the benefits from us and lead a decent life. Or else they have to be prepared for action," said Malkangiri police chief Jagmohan Meena.