Malkangiri: Several Maoists have been injured during an encounter conducted by security police personnel in a forest under Mathili police station in Malkangiri district.
Based on reliable intelligence input about the gathering of armed cadres of CPI Maoist for carrying out sub-versive activities, a searching and area domination operation was launched on June 14 by Odisha police teams comprising of teams of SOG and Malkangiri DVF, in bordering areas of Malkangiri and Koraput districts.
Yesterday, during afternoon hours, when operational parties were combing the jungle area near Kulabeda village, sudden unprovoked firing came upon them from Maoists side. In order to save their lives, operational parties also retaliated and started controlled firing after warning and appealing to Maoists, said Malkangiri SP Hrushikesh Khilari.
During the encounter, some Maoists are reported to have sustained injuries and fled into the deep forests, he said, adding the injured rebels succeed to flee away.
After some time, the police officials recovered an INSAS rifle along with 34 rounds of bullets, one AK-47 magazine, two INSAS magazines, four kit bags, digital camera and other articles, Khilari said.
Recently Chief Minister and DGP had given a call to active Naxals for surrendering and becoming a part of mainstream. Because of increased police presence and various developmental initiatives, Maoists are losing public support in this area and thus facing the backlash. Also there is credible input about many Maoists suffering from Covid-19.
The Malkangiri police administration once again appealed to the active Maoist cadres and militias to join the mainstream of the society for becoming part of peaceful developmental initiatives and to get better medical treatment.
Meanwhile, six Maoists were killed an anti-Naxal operations conducted by security police personnel in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh early on Wednesday. A senior leader of the Maoists and a woman member were among those killed. An AK-47, an SLR, a carbine, three 303 rifles and a country-made pistol were recovered from the spot, sources said.