Odishatv Bureau

Bhubaneswar/Malkangiri: Red rebels strike again in Malkangiri. This time the left ultras have targeted Panchayat office at Timurapalli under Mathili police station.

As per reports, around 30-40 ultras stormed the panchayat office last night. The rebels then detonated explosives to blew up the office. Though this attack by left ultras is a major one, reports on loss of life or estimates on damages to the property are still awaited. Police haven't reached the spot yet, suggest reports.

Police sources see it a handiwork of Chhattisgarh Division of Maoists. The Red rebels apparently have vent their ire on the panchayat office as the office has been used as a temporary barrack by security forces, sources added. Post the attack, anti-Naxal operations will be intensified further, informed Malkangiri SP  Jagmohan Meena.

Meanwhile, top police officials engaged in anti-Maoist operations warn of more such future attacks on security personnel and infrastructures in days to come.

"Since the monsoon season is only a month away, the rebels will ramp up their attack on forces and the vital installations. The red ultras usually lie low during monsoon period. In order to dominate the area, they could launch many such attacks prior to monsoon," explained a top CRPF official engaged in anti-Naxal operation.

As per data available with the State Home Department, As many six civilians, whom Maoists label the tag of informer, were killed by the ultras till the mid of May. On the other hand, security forces have neutralised an equal number of ultras during the same period of 2019.

Last year, the Red violence took a toll of 13 civilians; whereas counter operations by security forces saw elimination of 18 ultras, reveal the data.

Malkangiri still continues to be the hotbed of left rebels in Odisha, courtesy its shared topography with Chhattisgarh.

scrollToTop