Maoists strike in Nuapada, attack Sunabeda sanctuary

The Pioneer, June 24, 2009
PNS | Nuapada/ Koraput/ Bhubaneswar

After making their presence felt in other parts of the State for the first time the Red Brigade proved that they have spread their network to the peaceful Nuapada district and are in the process of opening a new front as they targeted the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary. A group of 20 armed Left-wing guerrillas ran amok in the sanctuary on Monday night.

The Maoists reportedly abducted six forest officials, who were present in the Forest Department office inside the sanctuary when the attack took place. The rebels smashed the office doors and windows, ransacked the office and set ablaze official documents before fleeing with VHF gadgets and mobile phones.

The jittery forest officials informed that the Maoists were from Chhattisgarh and armed to the teeth with arms and ammunitions and the Red rebels had also used an ambulance with the Government of Orissa logo.

After getting the information about the attack, Nuapada Superintendent of Police rushed to the spot. But chastened by the experience in Narayanpatna the police moved in carefully to avoid any landmines or IEDs planted by the guerillas to target them.

In another Maoist related incident, the ultras kidnapped four residents of Sonpur village in Daringibadi block of Kandhamal district on Sunday night. The abducted persons are Manmohan Pradhan, Surendra Pradhan, Agadhu Nayak and Tirasinga Pradhan, sources said. Though the incident took place on Sunday night news came to light only on Monday night. However, police said they had no information about the abduction by Maoists.

Meanwhile, Naryanpatna is still cut off from other parts of the State and road communications are disrupted. Due to logistical problems the prices of essential commodities have sky rocketed. Meanwhile some food materials were airlifted by helicopter to the cut off area for the police forces who were facing shortage of rations. Speaking to The Pioneer SW Range DIG Sanjeeb Panda said the overall situation in the area was peaceful.

The Central Government has sent an advisory to the State Government that the Maoists are carrying out a lucrative ganja cultivation which is filling up their coffers and it advised the State to destroy the illegal cultivations.