Sanctuaries in 2 Odisha districts turn Maoist dens

With Maoist activities again rearing its head in two neighbouring westernOdishadistricts of Kalahandi andNuapada, their wildlife sanctuaries Karlapat and Sunabeda respectively have again turned into the preferred hideouts of the Naxals, Police said.

While Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary helps them shuttle between Chhattisgarh and Nuapada, Karlapat serves as their passage between Kalahandi and Kandhamal because of the contiguity of forests. Karlapat links with the forests of Kandhamal. Maoists operating in Kandhamal use Karlapat as their shelter as they put up camps in the forest, said additional director general of police (operations) Amitav Thakur.