Security forces restore road connectivity to Narayanpatna in Koraput

Koraput (Orissa), June 28 (ANI): Road connectivity to Narayanpatna in Koraput district of Orissa, which had been cut off by a tribal group Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS), was restored in an operation conducted jointly by the State and Central Forces on Saturday.

The road connectivity had been cut-off partially since June 15 and fully from June 17, 2009.

After a visit to Koraput district (on June 25) and a meeting with Orissa's Chief Minister the following day, Home Minister P.Chidambaram had stressed the need to quickly clear the blocked road in order to re-establish control.

On Saturday (June 27), a team of Commandos of the Special Operations Group of the State Police (SOG) and a Company of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) moved with mechanical tree-cutting equipment and heavy earth movers to clear the road.

A bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs accompanied the team to clear the road of any landmines.

The CPI(Maoist) - backed CMAS and its supporters have been involved in several violent incidents in the last six months, especially in Koraput district in Orissa.

On account of this violence, many families in Narayanpatna tehsil of Koraput district had to shift out, with some being lodged in relief camps set up by the State Government. (ANI)