C'GARH MAOIST KILLED IN GUNFIGHT IN BALANGIR

C'GARH MAOIST KILLED IN GUNFIGHT IN BALANGIR

Sunday, 01 September 2013 | SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

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Acting on a tip-off about the presence of hardcore Maoists in the Dandel Reserve Forest area near village Khujen under the Tureikela police station in Balangir district and about their plan to target police personnel, a team of security forces comprising SOG (Special Operation Group) and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) launched a combing operation in the area.

While the combing drive was on, around 15 Maoists, including women, who were found near a water source, suddenly opened fire at the security forces. In an exchange of fire between the security personnel and the ultras, which lasted about 30 minutes, the Maoists fled from the scene. After a search later, a male Maoist was found dead on the spot. A .303 rifle and an SBBL gun along with live and empty cartridges were recovered from the site. Besides, articles of daily use like jerkin, biscuits and medicines and Maoist literature were also seized.

This information was given to mediapersons by IG, Northern Range Sanjay Kumar at a Press conference here on Saturday morning. Kumar said, "We believe the deceased Maoist is from the Chhattisgarh area and we have informed the Chhattisgarh police to identify him. We have found leaflets about the Balangir Area Committee of the Maoists which indicate that their strength has increased in this district too."

"We appeal to youth not to join the Maoist movement and to remain in the mainstream," he said. However, the IG parried a question on the poor performance of the Integrated Action Plan in Balangir district which is aimed at ensuring implementation of development measures in the Maoist-affected areas. He said the plan is under implementation, declining to give details.

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