Bhubaneswar: At least 29 companies of central para military forces would be deployed in the Maoist infested areas in state to conduct a violence-free election, Director General of Police RP Sharma said here Wednesday.
Addressing the media, Sharma said the police will keep a strict vigil on the movement of the Maoists in close coordination with the police of the neighbouring states.
The DGP said security forces would be asked to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and a strict vigil will be kept on criminals and on the trading of drugs.
The first phase of elections is scheduled to be held in the state for four Lok Sabha seats and 28 Assembly segments on April 11 next.
The CPI Maoists have issued warnings to boycott the elections in line with their ideology of opposing the democratic process. The police, however, is committed to conducting a peaceful, impartial and fearless election in the state.
The DGP said this year so far 13 Left Wing incidents have been reported in various parts of the state including two exchanges of fire between the CPI Maoists and the Special Forces.
The CPI Maoists have also killed four civilians and one Maoist was neutralized by security personnel.
While 15 Maoists were arrested three surrendered before the police. Huge quantities of arms, ammunition, IED and landmines have been recovered.
Security personnel also recovered four firearms including one .303 rifle, three hand grenades, one landmine, some explosive materials and many personal belongings of the Maoists in a forest under Tumudibandh Police station limit of the Kandhamal district.
Sharma said acting on reliable information Kandhamal SP Launched an anti-Naxalite operation involving two SOG teams and one DVF team in Nakudipara, Lingermaha, Janagarh and Ramapadar area under Tumdibandh Police limit on the night of March 11 last.
Security forces tighten vigil for peaceful polls
