Nine villagers abducted by naxals

Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, Jan 30 (UNI) Nine villagers, including three Special Police Officers (SPOs) were today abducted by about 60 armed naxals at Ponjarnalal village, about 12 km from Bijapur district, police said.

The extremists halted two passenger jeeps at Gangaloor road in Ponjarnalal village and abducted nine villagers. SPO Podje Ramlal, SPO Ashok Mader and one other SPO were among the abducted.

Police have launched a search drive to find out the villagers.

Most policemen move in civil dress in naxal-affected areas.

Police suspected naxals took other villagers in belief that they were also policemen or their friends.

Tribal youths in naxal-affected areas have been appointed as SPOs on a fixed honorarium.

Earlier, Jaigur village sarpanch Atki Sonu (40) was killed by ultras last night. He was involved in anti-naxal 'Salwa Judum' movement.

UNI XC-PS 1840