Mangalore, September 3: The Anti-naxal Force personnel exchanged fire with suspected naxals during combing operations at Palligadde in Kulkunda near Subramanya on Sunday evening.
The ANF team was waiting to ambush the naxals from the past three days after receiving confirmed reports that there was naxal movement in that area and they had visited a house in that area a few days back.
ANF IGP Alok Kumar said that the naxals, about three to four in number, had sensed their presence when they were about 30-40 mts from the ambush point and opened fire on them. The ANF team also returned fire and lobbed grenades.
Kumar said the naxals escaped under the cover of darkness. Regarding injuries, Kumar said ANF team was unhurt, but was not sure about Naxals.
“We will know on Monday when we comb the area. We will get more reinforcements to comb the area tomorrow,'' he said.
Even if they are injured it would not be able to confirm as the area has been receiving heavy rains and blood marks if any, would be washed away, Kumar said.
The ANF?had intensified search operations following reports that the naxals visited a few homes in the forest on Saturday. The people in Kulkunda are terrified and many are fleeing for the homes of relatives.
Those left behind are staying indoors. The naxals oppose the formation of the Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary and demand that those with more than 10 acres of land should share it with the poor.
Their other demands include that Forest department should give forest produce to the locals.
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