No combing operation till peace prevails: Govt

“We have stopped combing operation in the state according to the agreement with the mediators,” Chief Secretary B.K. Patnaik told reporters.

Stating that the state government would honour the commitments it made during negotiation with the mediators on February 22, the chief secretary said there was no need of using force if situation remained peaceful.

Defending the Malkangiri Collector, R Vineel Krishna, he said the young IAS officer had gone to interior pockets to supervise developmental works when the abduction took place.

“Unless there is a big threat, security is not needed for a government official visiting any area,” Mr. Patnaik said.

He, however, maintained that an official could take security personnel if there was specific threat on him/her.