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Opposition flays State on naxal issue

BHUBANESWAR: Members of the Congress on Thursday criticised the State government in the Assembly for its ‘inept’ handling of the law and order situation in the wake of growing naxalite violence.

Members moved an adjournment motion seeking discussion on the recent exchange of fire between Maoists and security forces in Sambalpur district in which a police official was killed.

Alleging lack of preparedness on the part of the State government to deal with naxalites, Congress member Santosh Singh Saluja said that the police force was ill-equipped to deal with the situation. He also questioned functioning of the intelligence wing which failed to track movement of naxalites.

Senior Congress leader Anup Sai accused the State government of taking a soft approach.

While the Opposition lashed out at the government for its inability to check violence, ruling party members in defence said the Centre was to blame.

Making a statement on the issue, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said based on an intelligence input regarding presence of a group of naxalites near Tamparasinga village under Jujumara police limit of Sambalpur district, two platoons of the Central Reserve Police Force along with the district police were sent to the spot on June 13.

There was an exchange of fire between naxalites and police personnel during which militants escaped taking advantage of darkness and dense forest, Mr. Patnaik said adding one landmine was recovered from the spot.

Narasingh Mahakud who led the Special Operation Group was hit by a bullet and lost his life while fighting valiantly while two naxalites were reported to have sustained injuries in retaliatory action by police party in which more than 200 rounds were fired.

The Chief Minister hailed Mahakud saying he was highly decorated officer and in his death the State had lost a brave and dedicated police officer.

A sum of Rs. 8 lakh would be paid as ex gratia to the next of kin of the slain police officer while his family would receive Rs. 10 lakh from the insurance company.

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