Naxal attack: Combing operations on in Chikmagalur

Mangalore, Aug 24: Combing operations in and around Sringeri forest area in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka by the ambush party and the Anti-Naxalite Force (ANF) is continuing since last evening, following the extremists setting afire the Range Forest Office at Kerekatte, about 13 km from Sringeri, yesterday.

ANF Superintendent Chennaiah told sources over phone from Sringeri today that the ANF believed that yesterday's attack was carried out by the B G Krishnamurthy group, which was active in the area.

Seventeen armed naxals, including five women, had executed the attack. Combing operations were on, but no arrest had been made.

The CPI (Maoist) ultras had set on fire the Range Forest Office, situated on the border of Chikmagalur and Udupi districts, after forcing out the two forest watchmen. The insurgents had pasted pamphlets and posters of Maoist literature on the walls of the office, appealing to the people and forest personnel to oppose the ''anti-people'' Government and ''cruel democracy'' and join the Maoist movement. They had also warned the authorities to remove the checkpost at Thanikod.

UNI