Security Forces, Maoists Exchange Fire In Odisha Forest Amid Bandh Call By Rebels On Apr 15

Bhubaneswar: Opposing intensified anti-naxal operations launched by the security forces, the outlawed Maoists have given a call for bandh in five states, including Odisha, on April 15.

The banned CPI (Maoist) has given the bandh call in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra in protest against the killing of several left wing extremists (LWE) by the security forces in recent past.

The ‘madhya region bureau, central committee’ of the banned outfit has urged people of Odisha and the other four states to extend support and observe the bandh on April 15.

The Maoists especially appealed to the people of these five states where the movement is strong, to show their solidarity.

In view of the bandh call given by the Maoists, security has been tightened in several districts of Odisha, particularly in areas bordering Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, sources said.

Security personnel have intensified combing operation in different Maoist-affected area to prevent any trouble during the proposed bandh called by the red rebels.

As per reports, around 50 Maoists have been gunned down by the security forces during the last three months in different areas as they intensified the special ‘Operation Kagar’ as part of a drive to wipe out LWEs. At least 15 Maoists were reported to have been killed during exchange of fire with security forces in the last 15 days. Most of the gunbattles have taken place on Odisha-Chhattisgarh border areas.

Meanwhile, an exchange of fire took place between security personnel and Maoists inside the dense forest area of Gandhamardan hill in Bargarh district, sources said on Tuesday.
While no injury or casualty has been reported so far, some Maoist articles were recovered from the forest during search following the gunbattle.

After getting intelligence input about the presence of some Maoists in the forest, a joint team of Special Operation Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF) reached the area for a search operation.

On seeing the security personnel, the Maoists opened fire and the security personnel also retaliated with heavy gunshots. Combing operation has been stepped up in the area.