Maoist hot-beds tense as PLGA week begins; security tightened

Bhubaneswar: Combing and anti-insurgency operations have been intensified in various Maoist-dominated districts and in the bordering areas of Odisha as the PLGA (Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army) week (observed by Maoists) began today. The red rebels will observe the PLGA week till December 8.

Posters and banners were found in various places in Koraput and Malkangiri districts through which the ultras have called for bandhs in these districts and urged people to observe the PLGA week.

While police officials are conducting regular patrolling in the area suspecting any backlash from the ultras, bus services from Koraput to Rayagada, Malkangiri and Gajapati districts have been suspended.

“We have conducted a meeting with IICs (Inspector-in-Charge), Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPO), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) officers and they have been alerted about the threat. Combing operations have also been intensified in bordering areas of Malkangiri,” informed Koraput SP, Kanwar Bishal Singh, adding that surprise vehicles checking are on at the entrance points of the district.

“BSF and police have been kept in alert and the officials have been directed to follow SoPs (standard operating procedure). The BSF, DVF and SOG teams are also conducting joint anti-Maoists operations in the interiors parts of the districts,” informed Malkangiri SP, Jagmohan Meena.