Balasore, April 15: Forest department officials are on toes following report of entry of armed tribals inside Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary on the eve of the annual Akhand Sikar (mass hunting) ritual.

Akhand Sikar has been a part of the tribal lifestyle since time immemorial.

“We have stepped up our surveillance following the report. An attempt by a tribal group to enter into the forest was thwarted yesterday,” said divisional forest officer of Balasore Kedar Swain.

“The practice of Akhanda Sikar is prevalent more in the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary, a major tiger reserve in Mayurbhanj. Besides 40 regular forest staff under the Balasore forest division, we have deployed another 60 staff in the anti-poaching squads and Sabuja Sathi group of volunteers in the border areas,” he said.

“Intensive awareness campaign has been undertaken in local weekly markets. We have been educating the tribal people to shun hunting,” added the forest officer.

Tribal people — armed with their traditional weapons such as bows, arrows and choppers — venture into deep jungle areas en-mass guided by their Dehuri (the priest) for poaching of wild animals. The tribals generally enter the forest area on two occasions, during the Makara Sankranti and the Maha Bishub Sankranti.

“During Maha Bishub Sankranti, they enter the forest in a large number since forests get cleared after the deciduous period of fall of leaves,” said Anpa Soren, a tribal activist of Thakurmunda .

The tribals, headed by priests or Dehuris, perform special puja to appease their god Marang Buru and seek his blessings for the success of their hunting mission as well as to ward off evil forces.

“The Dehuris play a vital role in Akhanda Sikar. They perform the puja and guide the tribals in hunting,” said Anpa Soren.