This Article is From Jun 25, 2009

Maoists strike ahead of PC's visit to Orissa

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Bhubaneshwar: Maoists have struck again, this time in Orissa's Koraput district. The attack comes ahead of Home Minister Chidambaram's visit to the area scheduled for Thursday.

They looted the block office in Koraput district and fled with computers and food.

Earlier, the Maoists blew up three mobile towers in a remote area close to Narayanpatna.

The area has seen unrest for the last three months. Tribals backed by Maoists have been attacking security forces and government officials.

Chidambaram to visit Orissa

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The Maoist attack comes ahead of the home minister's visit to Orissa. Chidambaram will be in Koraput on Thursday afternoon. Nearly 400 security personnel, including CRPF remained cut off at the Narayanpatna camp because Maoists have blocked the road since June 15.

Maoists had also triggered a landmine blast killing nine security personnel on June 18 when the state government made an attempt to remove the blockade.

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Government officials on Wednesday airdropped food and additional forces to the area. Home department sources say with the 48-hour bandh called by Maoists now over, government could begin clearing operations from Thursday.
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