High alert in Andhra-Orissa border areas, coastal districts

Visakhapatnam, July 24 (UNI) Poice have sounded a high alert in the three north coastal districts and stepped up vigil in the agency areas, particularly along the Andhra-Orissa border in the wake of yesterday's encounter in Yerragondapalem mandal in the Nallamala forest in Prakasam district.

State secretary of the CPI (Maoist) Madhav, and seven other naxals were killed in the encounter.

Andhra region Inspector General of Police B L Meena, who is camping in Srikakulam district made surprise checks in two police stations. It was learnt that the IG had instructed the Superintendents of Police in the region to be ''extra-cautious'' as there was a possibility of retaliation by Maoists and also in view of the ensuing village panchayat elections.

Reports from Narsipatnam mandal in the district received here today said police had been put on high alert following the encounter in Nallamala forest.

Vehicles were being checked and a constant watch was being kept at places where Maoists could attack police personnel.

In Vizianagaram district, vigil have been intensifed in the extremist affected areas. Policemen were kept on alert, particularly in Parvatipuram sub-division, a stronghold of Maoists.

In Srikakulam district police were keeping a close watch in Mandasa, Palasa, Vasjrapu kotthuru, Meliaputti,Bhamini and Pathapatnam mandals where the Maoists presence was strong.

UNI BSR LS KN1330