Maoists damage gram panchayat office in Orissa

Armed Maoists today caused extensive damage to a gram panchayat office in Malkangiri district, police said.

A large number of red ultras raided the office at the remote Andrahal under Khairput block in the wee hours and set on fire the goods, furniture and documents kept there before damaging the office, they said.

The Maoists action is believed to be a part of their strategy against the Operation Godavari proposed to be launched by the government against the left wing extremists in the region.

Over 60 houses and about 30 mobile towers have been damaged by the Maoists during last the six months in the Maoist-prone district, sources said.

They have been targeting panchayat offices and schools as these places are used as shelter by the security personnel during anti-Naxal operations.