Centre condemns naxal attack in Orissa, to provide all assistance

New Delhi, Jul 16 (UNI) The Centre today condemned the Maoist attack in Orissa, in which about 2O policemen of the Special Operation Group (SOG) are feared killed and assured all possible assistance to the state government.

The Centre is in touch with the state government after the incident of landmine explosion by Maoists in Malkangiri district.

Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and Special Secretary (Internal Security) M L Kumawat have spoken to the Chief Secretary and other senior officials of the state government and assured all possible help from the Centre, a Home Ministry spokesperson said here.

Earlier, the Home Secretary had reviewed the naxal situation in four states including Orissa where senior officials from the state goverment had given details of the operational strategy and development works being carried out to curb the naxal menace in the state.

On June 29, at least 30 personnel from the anti-Naxal force of Andhra Pradesh known as 'Greyhounds' were killed by Maoists as the boat, ferrying them, came under gunfire by Maoists from atop a nearby hill.

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