Bhubaneswar, April 06: Orissa government today claimed that at least 20 Maoists were killed and 38 others arrested during first three months of 2011 in the face of opposition claim that the morale of state police was at its lowest after five Maoists were set free to secure release of abducted Malkangiri district collector.
“Security forces during the first three months of 2011 have arrested 38 ultras while 20 others died in operation. Fifteen Maoists have surrendered before the police during the period,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in reply to an adjournment motion in the House.
Rejecting the opposition allegation that there was total anarchy in the state, Patnaik said the state government was taking all possible steps to contain Naxal violence.
“There had been regular joint operation against left wing extremists in the state’s border,” he said.
-Agencies