Explosives, Maoists’ kit bags recovered in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR - Security forces Sunday recovered at least eight unexploded landmines and about a dozen kit bags of Maoists from a forested area of Orissa’s Koraput district, police said.

The explosives and kit bags were recovered during a combing operation conducted in the area after an exchange of fire between security personnel and Maoist rebels Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

“At least eight unexploded landmines and 12 Maoists’ kit bags were found,” Deputy Inspector General of Police Sanjeeb Panda told IANS.

He said the security forces have also spotted blood stains in the area indicating that some among the rebels were injured in the gun fight.

There was no report of injury among the policemen. Officials fear some Maoists may have been killed or critically injured in the gun battle that lasted for over half-an-hour on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.

“There may be some casualties among the Maoists but we are not sure,” director of state intelligence department Prakash Mishra said.

Maoists are active in more than half of the state’s 30 districts. Koraput district, some 500 km from state capital Bhubaneswar, is considered as their stronghold.