Post News Network
Khariar, March 16: Close on the heels of the death of a Maoist cadre from Chhattisgarh after an exchange of fire between the rebels and security forces in a forest in Golamunda of Kalahandi district, Maoists set afire vehicles and equipment of a contractual firm engaged in Lower Indra irrigation project here in Nuapada district.
Sources said a group of 15-20 armed Maoists went to a camp of the firm at Tikhali village, about 15 km from the block headquarters, where construction activities for the project were under way and surrounded the camp from all sides late Sunday night. Later, three of the Maoists snatched the mobile phones of the firm’s employees brandishing guns.
The Maoists then set afire two trucks, a tractor and an earthmover engaged in the project. They pasted posters and banners at the site before leaving. The posters and banners had mention
of Nuapada division committee
of Communist Party of India (Maoist). The ultras flayed the death of a Maoist cadre and opposed the arrest of two
of their women cadres during the recent gun-battle.
Through the posters, the ultras have warned of further offensives if security forces do not pay heed to their demands.
The Maoist warning triggered panic among the staff of the firm as well as people residing in nearby areas. On being informed, the police seized the posters
and launched a combing operation in
the area.