11 CISF jawans, 4 Maoists killed in Orissa gunbattle

Bhubaneswar, Apr 13 (PTI) At least 11 CISF jawans and
four Maoists were killed in a gunfight triggered by a daring
pre-poll attack by the ultras on a well-guarded armoury and
bauxite mine of Nalco in India's esatern state Orissa's
Koraput district, police said Monday.

More than 100 workers present at the site during the
attack late Sunday night were safe.

"Eleven CISF jawans posted at hilltop mines in Damanjodi
were killed and 15 others injured in the gunbattle that
continued for over five hours after the ultras struck last
night," Director General of Police M M Praharaj said.
Bodies of four Maoists, including a woman, along with
a light machine gun and a rifle were found at the site, he
said.

Striking with precision, over 200 heavily armed Maoists,
including women cadre, formed different groups and looted CISF
armoury in the mining area and took away at least a dozen
rifles and light machine guns.

The well planned attack, apparently aimed at affecting
the upcoming polls and loot weapons and explosives, took place
shortly after 9.30 pm IST in Asia's biggest bauxite mines.

Security force comprising jawans of CRPF, Elite Special
Operation Group (SOG) and district police have reached the
site, police said.

Nalco Chairman and Managing Director C R Pradhan said all
workers and employees were safe.

"Maoists are suspected to have fled to Andhra Pradesh
either through Parvatipuram or Potangi and a massive combing
operation has been launched by the security forces to capture
them," Praharaj said adding, "We are in constant touch with
Andhra Pradesh police."

Maoists had recently attacked Similipal Tiger Reserve in
Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri and other places.

The ultras also blew up a mobile phone tower in the site
affecting tele-communication besides erecting obstacles on
the circuitous hilly roads towards the hilltop.

Maoists had laid land mines and blocked roads by felling
trees, making force movement to the site very slow, Praharaj
said, adding the security personnel reached the spot early
this morning after removing the obstacles.

The hilltop was located at a height of about 4,000 feet
above sea level and 15 to 20 km from the foothills and the
Nalco township, police said.

A high alert was sounded in the area even as the incident
triggered panic among people in nearby township.

Maoists have given a poll boycott call in many areas
under their influence and killed a candidate for Malkangiri
assembly seat last week.