A significant victory in the fight against left-wing extremism (LWE) has been achieved in Odisha’s Kandhamal district. On Monday, two Maoists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces deep within the forest. The deceased individuals have been identified as Manku, an ACM cadre of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), and Chandan, also a member of the same organization. Both were known to be active within the district. The encounter occurred around noon when the District Voluntary Force (DVF) initiated a special operation based on received intelligence. Recovered from the scene were a rifle, a revolver, live ammunition, a walkie-talkie, batteries, and other materials associated with the Maoists. The gunfight erupted between the DVF personnel and the Maoists, resulting in the deaths of Manku and Chandan. It’s believed that other insurgents managed to escape. Security forces have recovered the bodies and have intensified their combing operations throughout the area. A search is underway to locate and apprehend any remaining insurgents.
