Malkangiri: In view of the Martyrs' week of Maoists starting on July 28, the security has been beefed up in the districts dominated by Naxals in Odisha.
According to sources, the state government and the police machinery have tightened security and sounded a high alert in Naxal-affected areas of Malkangiri to avoid any untoward incident during the Martyrs' week to be observed by Maoists till August 3.
The BSF, SOG, DVF and COBRA jawans have intensified combing operations in the Naxal-affected districts of the state, sources said.
Police have geared up to tackle the situation in forests of Odisha border region including Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in wake of the Martyrs' Week.
Also read: Naxals put up banners in Chhattisgarh announcing 'Martyrs' Week'
Meanwhile, two Naxals were gunned down by security personnel in an exchange of fire in a jungle in Malkangiri district. Due to which, security forces have been kept on alert and advised not to move to any place without following the standard operating procedure.
Speaking to media, Malkangiri Superintendent of police, Rishikesh Dayanand Khilari said, "Security has been beefed up in Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada districts in the wake of the week-long Martyrs' Week which will begin from today. Maoists have put up posters and banners at several places in Malkangiri and Rayagada districts, urging people to observe Martyrs' Week."
"Combing has been intensified in several areas of Malkangiri. Police stations in districts bordering Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana too are on high alert," he added.
Also read: Two Maoists killed in encounter with security personnel in Odisha