Malkangiri: Maoists opened fire and injured two securitymen of Odisha`s Malkangiri district on Monday even as talks were on with the state government for the release of an Italian taken hostage by the ultras. Official sources said some district voluntary force (DVF) personnel were proceeding from Markapadar to Gobindpalli in Mathili area, about 50 km from here, when the ultras attacked them.
Two DVF personnel were injured in the attack which led to a brief exchange of fire before the red rebels fled from the site, the sources said.
The injured were admitted to a hospital at Mathili where their condition was stated to be stable. The incident took place even as negotiators representing the Maoists and state government were holding talks for the release of an Italian taken hostage by the ultras in Kandhamal district.
Ruling BJD MLA from Laxmipur in neighbouring Koraput district, Jhina Hikaka also continues to be in Maoist captivity since he was abducted by ultras on March 24.
PTI