Odisha largely free from caste, religion resonance in electoral politics
Caste calculation, religious affiliation has never emerged as a tool to woo voters.
The Odisha Police on Thursday gunned down two women cadres of outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) outfit in Gandhamardan Hill area of Bolangir district, senior police officials said.
They were killed in an intelligence-based operation and the rebels were in their hideout in the mountainous terrains when the operation was launched to flush out the Maoists, said Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Sunil Bansal.
The movement of outlawed Maoists was tracked at around 10.30 am. Later, they were asked to surrender. However, they retaliated, forcing the security forces to open fire at them.
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Bansal said that while two Maoists, both women, were neutralized, others managed to escape. Combing operation is still underway to flush out the escapees, he said, adding that exchange of fire lasted for about half an hour.
The slain Maoists, owing affiliation to Balangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund (BBM) Maoist Division, have been identified and both of them were carrying Rs 4 lakh reward on their heads.
Huge cache of arms and live ammunition have been seized during the combing operation, police said. The DGP appealed to the red rebels to shun violence and return to the mainstream to lead normal life.
“We are appealing that the Maoists shun violence and return to the mainstream,” he said. Those who surrender and return to mainstream of them will be properly rehabilitated and will receive monetary assistance as per the Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme of the government of Odisha.
They will also get financial assistance for building houses, pursuing studies and getting training in a trade, vocation of their will, he added.
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