Maoist day peaceful in Odisha's tribal belt

KORAPUT: The first day of CPI (Maoist) foundation week passed of peacefully in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada and Nabarangpur districts on Sunday.
The Red rebels had urged public to cooperate through posters and banners put up at several places in Malkangiri and Koraput districts. Police sources said the ultras' appeal evoked no response. While buses plied on their regular routes, shops and markets remained open.Even at Maoist strongholds like Bhenjagwada, Kalimela, Padia and Motu, normal life remained unaffected, the sources said.
"The situation is under control and no untoward incident has been reported. Forces have been kept on high alert," said IG (south-western range) Yashwant Kumar Jethwa.
According to the IG, adequate security arrangements have been made with deployment of forces belonging to SOG, DVF, BSF and CRPF in sensitive areas and vehicles are being frisked at entry points of the districts. Fresh Maoist posters and banners in large numbers were found at Khambesi and Panimunda in Rayagada district on Sunday. TNN