Woman among six Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh gunfights

A woman was among the six Maoists killed in two separate gunfights in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Tuesday as security forces kept up their pressure on the ultras under "Operation Prahar 2", a senior police official said.

The woman militant was killed in a gunfight in Oraksha area in the morning, and the five other Maoists after exchange of fire in the Akabeda area in the afternoon, said Inspector General of Police Vivekanand Sinha.

He said that a major gunfight broke out between police and Maoists in Pinka area around 15 km from Abumajhad, but the security forces prevailed and the insurgents had to flee. A search in the area led to discovery of the bodies of five rebels, all clad in uniform.

A .303 rifle, a pistol, .315 rifles, some other weapons and various other items used by the Maoists were also recovered from the spot.

Meanwhile, Special Director General, Naxal Operations, D.M. Avasthi told media persons said that security forces had launched "Operation Prahar 2" on Monday evening and more than 2,000 personnel had fanned out through Sukma, Dantwada and Narayanpur districts.'

He said that the operation was being led by Additional Superintendent of Police Anil Soni and they hoped to eliminate more rebels.

Avasthi also said that security forces had also seized a large quantity of explosives which had been subsequently destroyed.

--IANS

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