Security tightened in Malkangiri

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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com/2009/09/19/stories/2009091957130300.htm)
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Security tightened in Malkangiri

Staff Reporter

Sequel to fierce encounter in Chhattisgarh

BERHAMPUR: Security was tightened in naxal infested Malkangiri district of south Orissa following the fierce gun battle between the security forces and the naxals in adjoining Dantewada district of Chhatisgarh.
On Friday morning the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel involved in combing operation had an exchange of fire with Maoists inside jungles near MV90 village under Kalimela police station of Malkangiri district. The Malkangiri Superintendent of Police (SP), Satyabrata Bhoi said this exchange of fire occurred while the security forces were involved in combing operation in the area.
The security in Malkangiri district had to be intensified as this district is strategically placed between naxal infested areas of Chhatisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. Usually Maoists of these two states use remote areas Malkangiri as their buffer zone. The recent gun battle happened at a distance of 30 kilometres from Motu in Malkangiri district. It was a major onslaught on the Maoist vagrants by the personnel of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA). It was an effort to bust an illegal arms manufacturing factory and a naxal camp in the forests of Singamadagu in Dantewada district. As per reports an assistant commandant of CoBRA and eight left-wing terrorists were killed in the fierce gunbattle. So, the police officials in Malkangiri district were cautious not to let any Maoists escape into this area.
Mr. Bhoi said the Maoists operating in Malkangiri district were also in a panicked state. The reason behind their panic is said to be possible deployment of extra central forces for anti-naxal operations. Added to it joint anti-naxal operations with the cooperation of security forces of Andhra Pradesh and Chhatisgarh were also on.
According to police officials of Malkangiri district the fright of Maoists and their supporters was evident from some recent events. The supporters and frontal organisations have increased their campaign for removal of CRPF from the area. They have allegedly even terrorised some elected panchayat body members to take part in this campaign. Even the teachers were threatened of dire consequences if their schools were used as camps for anti-naxal forces. It all hints at panic of Maoists for a major onslaught which the Union Home Minister has hinted, said the police officers.

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