Bhubaneswar, Jan 20 (UNI) A joint inter-state operation involving Odisha and Chhattisgarh Police, along with CPF jawans, has been launched in the border areas of Nuapada district in Odisha and Gariabandh district in Chhattisgarh.

According to the Odisha Police Headquarters, intelligence inputs were received on January 19 about the presence of a large number of Maoists hiding in the Kulari Ghat reserved forest of Chhattisgarh, located just 5 km from the border of Odisha’s Nuapada district.

In response, the security forces of both states, in collaboration with Central Security Forces, have initiated this joint operation.

Details are awaited as the exchange of fire has been ongoing from both sides since this morning.

UNI DP KK