STF begins combing operations to flush out Maoists

Theni, April 15 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Special Task Force (STF) personnel today began a massive combing operation in the jungles of Periyakulam forest range and remote villages in this district of the state following reports of ''regrouping of Naxals.'' Police said following reports of movement of Maoists in the forest, the STF personnel led by Superintendents of Police Theni and Madurai have begun combing operations to flush out the Naxals.

Intelligence sleuths in plain clothes were screening the entire region and the STF had intensified its surveillance.

Police foiled two attempts made by the Maoists to establish an 'Arms Training Camp' in the forests of Varushanadu Hills in this district recently to expand subversive activities in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

During last June, the STF personnel and police arrested three Maoists in Varushanadu Hills, when they made an attempt to establish a camp with the help of locals.

In another crackdown, the STF had arrested five Maoists, including a Chhattishgarh-based hardcore on December 19 last year at Pallathur village in this district, after an exchange of fire.

Three guns and explosives were seized from the arrested Maoists, the police added.

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