Odisha DGP appeals to Maoists to shun violence or face operations

A day after security personnel gunned down five Maoists in Odisha, state Director General of Police R P Sharma on Tuesday appealed to the red rebels to return to the mainstream as the state government has decided to intensify operations against them.

Sharma said this while taking stock of the left wing extremism in Malkangiri district where the five Maoists were killed at Popluru area in a forest in the cut-off area of the district.

"I appeal to the ultras to shun violence and return to main stream. Otherwise, they may face tough time as it has been decided to intensify anti-Maoist operation in Malkangiri district," Sharma told reporters.

The DGP also revealed that the police have special action plan for the cut-off area of the district in order to make it Maoist free.

He said plans are there to re-deploy the central forces like BSF jawans in the cut-off area which is encircled by water from three sides.

He also said developmental activities in the area would be taken up speed at the same time.

Referring to Monday's encounter between security personnel and the Maoists in the cut-off area, Sharma said this is one of the best operations carried out by the state police so far.

Meanwhile, the police on Tuesday identified the bodies which remained unidentified Monday.