Maoist martyrs' Week begins, Security tightened in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Maoists have put up posters in several parts of Malkangiri and Rayagada district urging people to observe 'martyrs week' which began from today. Keeping in view the observance of the martyrs' week by CPI (Maoists) from July to August 3, security has been beefed up in naxal-infested districts to avert any untoward incident in Odisha.

Odisha-Chhattisgarh border has been sealed while combing operation intensified in Malkangiri following the encounter in which seven Maoists were killed in Bastar in Chhattisgarh yesterday.

"We have alerted all police stations and combing operations in interior areas close to the border with Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh are underway," said Malkangiri SP, Jagmohan Meena.

As a preventive measure, Government buses stayed off roads in Malkangiri, Rayagada and other parts.

"CRPF and other forces are on alert while patrolling and regular combing operations are being conducted," said Rayagada SP Saravana Vivek M.