Top cadre Naxalite injured in Orissa

Bhubaneswar, Jan 30 (UNI) A top cadre Naxalite was injured in an exchange of fire between the left wing extremists and security personnel in MV 79 village of the Malkangiri district last night.

Malkangiri Superintendent of Police S K Gajbhiye today said Ashok Koyashi, a Naxalite in the rank of 'Commander', was injured.

He said later police learnt that the cadre was taken to Manimkunda village. Efforts were on to nab him, the SP said.

The exchange of fire took place after the rebels first opened fire at the security personnel who retaliated in defence.

Mr Gajbhiye said a squad comprising village volunteer force and Special Operation Group (SOG), led by Sgt B P Jena of SOG, reached the village on receipt of information that Naxalites were conducting meeting at the village.

A couple of days ago they had planted three landmines and damaged the construction wall of the MV 79 jail under construction.

The SP said as the Naxalites came to know about the arrival of security personnel at the village they first tried to ambush them and when they failed, opened fire at the force.

The security personnel retaliated and more than one hundred rounds of fire were exchanged in which Koyashi was injured.

UNI BD-DP PL JT AS1545