Monday, February 21 2005 10:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Berhampur (Orissa): The police shot two CPI-Maoist (Communist Party of India) activists to death after the ultras exploded six claymore mines targeting security personnel near Kurub village in Malkangiri district bordering Andhra Pradesh yesterday (Feb 20, 2005).

Official sources said that after the landmines were detonated, there was an exchange of fire between securitymen and the Naxalites in which two of the rebels were killed.

None of the securitymen was injured in the incident, which occurred inside deep forest, the sources said.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and Orissa Special Armed Police jawans were proceeding on two motorcycles on the road through the jungles when the blasts occurred. The mines were planted under a culvert and began to explode as the first motorcycle passed.

The jawans on the other motorcycle stopped after which the ultras fired at them. The policemen returned the fire and in the exchange two of the Naxalites were killed.

Four of the ultras were also nabbed by the policemen.

The security personnel then combed through the area and stumbled upon an abandoned camp of the Maoists where they seized an SLR, two rifles, a double barrel gun, a revolver, a generator, a clock, cots and utensils.

Latest reports said that the exchange of fire was continuing.