No combing operation in Orissa till peace prevails: CS

Bhubaneswar, Feb 26 (PTI) Abiding by its commitmentsmade to the Maoist-selected mediators, Orissa Government todaysaid there would be no coercive action by security forces aslong as the ultras did not indulge in any unlawful activity.

"We have stopped combing operation in the stateaccording to the agreement with the mediators. No coerciveaction will be taken unless Maoists indulge in unlawfulactivity," Chief Secretary B K Patnaik told reporters.

Stating that the state government would honour thecommitments it made during negotiation with the mediators onFebruary 22, the chief secretary said there was no need ofusing force if situation remained peaceful.

Defending the Malkangiri Collector, R Vineel Krishna,he said the young IAS officer had gone to interior pockets tosupervise developmental works when the abduction took place.

"Unless there is a big threat, security is not neededfor a government official visiting any area," Patnaik said.

He, however, maintained that an official could takesecurity personnel if there was specific threat on him/her.