MALKANGIRI: After spilling blood in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma where they massacred 25 CRPF men on April 24, the Left-wing ultras killed two former militia members in different villages under MV-79 police limits of Malakangiri district on Thursday night.
The Maoists also exchanged fire with security forces in Rayagada and Phulbani districts in separate incidents on Friday.
In Malkangiri, a group of 20-30 armed Maoists, suspectedly led by CPI (Maoist) district committee member Randev reached Chheliamunda village late Thursday night and dragged Rama Madkami (38) out of his house at gun point. Later, the Red ultras shot Madkami on the village outskirts.
The Maoists then went to Sudhakonda and shot Bisu Kirsani dead. After committing the crime, they escaped into the adjoining forest.
Both Madkami and Kirsani were Maoist militia members who had surrendered before police recently. Sources said the Maoists suspected them to have turned police informers after the surrender and hence killed them.
The surrendered foot soldiers of the ultra group returning to their homes in remote pockets have become soft targets of the rebels, said a police official. If they are settled in a special rehabilitation colony like the North-East States, such killings can be prevented, he added.
Meanwhile, hardcore rebels have reportedly sneaked into Malkangiri with the Chhattisgarh Government intensifying the operation against them following the April 24 incident. Many unknown persons have been found to be moving in the area in the last 2-3 days, said a resident of Podia.
As there is no security check post on the porous Malkangiri-Sukma road and newly constructed Dornapal bridge, the Maoists can easily escape into Malkangiri. Saveri river in Motu, some 100 km from Malkangiri, has also turned into a safe passage for the Maoists over the years.
Fire exchange during combing operations
RAYAGADA: The Maoists opened fire at SOG personnel engaged in combing operation in Samajhola reserve forest under Ambodola police limits in Muniguda block of the district on early Friday morning. After a brief spell of firing, the Red ultras escaped under the cover of darkness.
The security forces seized 50 KGs of ammonia nitrate, one magazine of Insas rifle with six live ammunition, four bundles of electronic detonators each having 25 detonators, medicines and other appliances from the spot.
Rayagada SP K Siba Subramani said they had the information that around 15 Naxals had camped in Samajhola forest with a plan to execute some anti-national work in the district. The police launched the operation Thursday night and the exchange fire took place in the early morning. The SP said there were no casualties.
Camp busted after encounter
PHULBANI: The Maoists and CRPF and DVF personnel were engaged in an exchange of fire near Jajespanga under Phiringia police limits in Kandhamal district Friday. According to Kandhamal SP Pinak Misra, the security forces were on their way to organise a Jana Sampark Sibira along with medicines and doctor. While they were passing the area, the Maoists fired at them.
The security forces fired in retaliation and the Maoists escaped into the nearby forest. Police seized one country made SBML gun, empty cartridges and other materials from the spot which was supposedly serving as a camp of Maoists.
Anti-landmine vehicle and additional SOG forces were rushed to the spot. Combing operation is continuing said the SP. IG (Southern Range) Amitav Thakur also visited the area to take stock of the situation.