Three tribals were shot dead by Naxals after a clash over attending a secret meeting called by the ultras in this coastal Andhra Pradesh district today, police said.
"Maoists killed three tribals after they defied their order to attend the meeting on the outskirts of Lakkavaram village in G K Veedhi mandal in the agency area of the district," they said.
A group of five rebels were holding a conclave and directed the tribals to join them, which they refused and in turn attacked the ultras with stones and sticks.
The Naxals opened fire at the victims, who were killed on the spot, police said, adding that a combing operation is underway to trace the Reds.