MALKANGIRI:Vehicular movement came to a standstill across the district on Friday as Maoists observed People Liberation Guerrilla Week (PLGA) Week. Odisha State Road and Transport Corporation (OSRTC) buses besides private buses remained off the road to avert any untoward situation.
Maoists have reportedly put up banners and posters in the remote and inaccessible areas of Kalimela, MV-79, Podia, Motu, Khairput, Salimi and Chitrakonda of the district declaring observance of the PLGA week and seeking people’s support.
Security measures have been tightened in the sensitive areas and counter-insurgency operations have also been intensified suspecting a backlash from Maoists. “We are ready to meet any challenge. Massive
combing operation by Border Security Force, CRPF and Special Operation Group is going on in the sensitive pockets of the district,” said SP Mitrabhanu Mahapatra, while briefing mediapersons. Joint operation in the bordering areas is also on to check the possible influx of the rebels into the State, he added.
It is expected that the PLGA week this year would be different, especially in the cut-off region of Andhra-Odisha border (AOB) area, in the backdrop of the October 24 encounter in Bejing forest area which had left at least 14 top Maoist including BK Ramana alias Ganesh and Samala Kistayya alias Daya dead. All total 30 persons were killed during the exchange of fire.
“We are on high alert and would not leave any chance for the Left Wing Extremists to unleash terror in the region,” said a top cop of the region. As the Maoists may try to launch offensives, our forces have been kept on high alert to avoid any eventuality, he added.