Massive combing operation launched in Orissa to nab Maoists

KORAPUT - Security forces on Tuesday launched a massive combing operation in the Narayanpatna forest area of Orissa’s Koraput District to nab the ultras on the run.

Paramilitary forces along with the Orissa and Andhra Pradesh state police personnel, who conducted the combing operation, have installed check posts in the area and inspected every passing vehicle.

The residents here welcomed this move, as they appeared fed up with the Maoist menace.

“It is good that Border Security Force (BSF) is conducting the checking. It is only for our benefits, we too are scared of Maoists and are fed up with the violence. This checking will give us confidence,” said Chakra, a local.

A former police officer opined that the operation Green Hunt, launched by the Central Government to flush out the ultras, would succeed if local police provided help.

“Andhra government applied lot of pressure that is why top Maoist commanders are present in Malkangiri district and a few of them are present in Narayanpatna. If local police and its personnel help, the operation Green Hunt will be successful,” said K. M. Majhi, former police officer.

Thousands have been killed during the Maoist insurgency, which began in the late 1960s, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has described the Maoist threat one of the gravest homegrown threats to India’s internal security.

The rebels claim they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers and landless labourers.

They have spread into the rural pockets of 20 of India’s 28 states. (ANI)