64 Maoists killed in Orissa in last 5 years

Even as Left Wing Exremists killed 197 persons including 83 civilians in the last five years in Orissa, security personnel eliminated 64 ultras during the period in the state.

The killing by Maoists recorded a rise in 2008 and 2009.

While ultras killed 74 and 33 security personnel in 2008 and 2009 respectvely, they eliminated 24 and 28 civilians during the period.

At least 11 ultras were killed in 2008 while 20 of them died in 2009, they said.

Of the 114 security personnel killed during last five years, 107 died in 2008 and 2009. Of the total 83 civilians killed during the period, 52 died in two years.

Of the total 64 ultras killed in five years, casualty figure in 2008 and 2009 was 31.

This was stated by chief minister Naveen Patnaik while replying to a question in the assembly yesterday. He said police held 302 rebels in 2009 and 2010 (upto July 7, 2010).

Highest number of ultras were arrested in Sundargarh district, Patnaik said.

Maoist activities chart prepared by home department showed seven security personnel, 28 civilians and 33 ultras were killed between 2005 and 2007.

According to a senior home department officials, Maoists caused more damage in last two years (2008 and 2009) than the three previous years.