Click to play videoNew Delhi: In the forests of Kandhamal, the encounter between Orissa police and Naxals is continuing even after 48 hours of a fierce gun battle.
Official figures say at least 20 Naxals and three security men have been killed so far, however, the casualties may rise, as the gun battle is still on. More than one thousand security personnel, including CRPF and Greyhounds, are engaging the Naxals.
Three policemen died during the intensive combing operation as hundreds of police and paramilitary personnel fanned to Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal and Rayagada districts after the coordinated strikes on three police stations, a police training school, an outpost and the district police armoury.
"We have information about killing of 20 Maoists and three jawans of Special Operation Group (SOG) during the combing operation," Home Secretary T K Mishra told reporters here on Sunday. "We are in an offensive mode," he said.
Refusing to divulge details, Mishra said the casualties among the Naxals could be more. "But we have specific information about death of 20 ultras since yesterday," said Mishra, adding that Additional Director General of Police, MM Praharaj was leading the operation which would continue "till the end."
Reports suggest some 500 rebels are still hiding in the jungles of Nayagarh. They are believed to have split up into several smaller groups but have two air force helicopters constantly tracking their movements. Many villagers who stay in the area have fled their homes.
Security personnel have identified operational zones in the jungles. They also launched a massive operation on Sunday morning after Naxals in Nayagarh killed 14 policemen.
With Agency inputs
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