Maredumilli (Andhra Pradesh): Another encounter took place in the Maredumilli forest area of Andhra Pradesh Agency. Seven Maoists were killed in an encounter between security forces and Maoists early Wednesday morning. The deceased include three women and four men.
All these Naxalites are said to be from Chhattisgarh. Devji, a top Maoist leader, is reportedly among them. Security forces are conducting a search operation in the Maredumilli forest area. The bodies have been taken to the Rampachodavaram Regional Hospital.
AP Intelligence Director General Mahesh Chandra Ladda confirmed the encounter in the Maredumilli forest area. He said that Jogarao, a Maoist from Srikakulam, was among the dead. He said that full details were not yet available. He spoke at a press conference in Vijayawada. He said that it would be better if the remaining Maoists surrender.
“Maoists are attempting to enter Andhra Pradesh from Chhattisgarh and Telangana. We have established strict surveillance and are monitoring their activities. We launched an operation on November 17th. On the morning of the 18th, a shootout occurred in Alluri Sitaramaraju district. Central Committee member Hidma Madavi and five other Maoists were killed. Meanwhile, we arrested 50 people in NTR, Krishna, Eluru, Kakinada, and Konaseema districts.
These include three Special Regional Committee members, 23 platoon members, five divisional committee members, and 19 area committee members. We made these arrests without causing any harm to the public. We also seized a large quantity of weapons and explosives from the Maoists. Some Maoists fled after the Maredumilli encounter on Tuesday. Teams have been deployed to apprehend them.
Hidma killed in firing: The ADG said, “We are not aware of Hidma writing a letter to journalists. Hidma died in firing. There is no truth in the claim that he was killed after being captured. We are working for a Maoist-free Andhra Pradesh. We are investigating the Maoists’ plans and why they are in Kannur. Many will surrender soon. There is no need to fear arrest. Attacks are taking place in many places in Chhattisgarh. This is why Maoists are moving from there to other places. In this process, they are also being caught.”
