Balangir: After a prolonged silence, Gandhamardan hill in Balangir district echoed with gunfire as a fierce encounter broke out between security forces and Maoists on Thursday night.
The exchange of gunfire continued till Friday morning in the forests on the foothills of Gandhamardan, near Hanuplali village under Khaprakhol police station limits.
According to police sources, during a routine patrol in Maoist-affected villages, personnel from the District Volunteer Force (DVF) and Special Operations Group (SOG) received intelligence inputs about the presence of a group of Maoists. Upon learning about the movement of security forces towards them, the Maoists opened fire. In retaliation, security forces returned fire, sources said.
“As per the directive of the Director General of Police, our goal is to free the Gandhamardan region from Maoist influence. This recent operation is a crucial step in curbing Maoist activity in Balangir district,” said Himanshu Lal, Inspector General (northern range), Sambalpur.
Although firing has stopped, security forces are combing the area. “Once our forces return, we will be able to provide more details about the operation,” Lal added. TNN
Balangir: After a prolonged silence, Gandhamardan hill in Balangir district echoed with gunfire as a fierce encounter broke out between security forces and Maoists on Thursday night.
The exchange of gunfire continued till Friday morning in the forests on the foothills of Gandhamardan, near Hanuplali village under Khaprakhol police station limits.
According to police sources, during a routine patrol in Maoist-affected villages, personnel from the District Volunteer Force (DVF) and Special Operations Group (SOG) received intelligence inputs about the presence of a group of Maoists. Upon learning about the movement of security forces towards them, the Maoists opened fire. In retaliation, security forces returned fire, sources said.
“As per the directive of the Director General of Police, our goal is to free the Gandhamardan region from Maoist influence. This recent operation is a crucial step in curbing Maoist activity in Balangir district,” said Himanshu Lal, Inspector General (northern range), Sambalpur.
Although firing has stopped, security forces are combing the area. “Once our forces return, we will be able to provide more details about the operation,” Lal added. TNN