Balangir: Director-general of police R.P. Sharma on Thursday hailed the district volunteer force's successful operations against Maoists earlier this week that killed two rebel cadres.

Addressing reporters in Balangir, Sharma said the operations were meticulously planned and executed. "From intelligence reports to the planning and execution, everything was perfect," he said. The morale of the security forces is on a high now, he said. Sharma was also shown a presentation of the operations.

Sharma said the cash rewards that the deceased Maoists were carrying would now be given to those, who were directly involved in the operations. "The security forces and the intelligence agency that were directly responsible for the operations' success would be given the reward," he said.

Sanjeev, a divisional committee member of the CPI (Maoist), carried a cash reward for Rs 5 lakh, while area committee member Rakesh carried a reward of Rs 4 lakh.

Sharma also expressed happiness over the successful operations both in Balangir and Kandhamal. "Such successful operations do not mark the end of Maoist activities. Balangir is moderately affected by Maoist activities, and the police must remain alert to contain the rebels. We have to work to make Balangir free from the Maoists," he said.

He also said the wife of deceased rebel Rakesh was also a Maoist carde. "We appeal to all the rebels to give up arms and surrender before the police to get various facilities that are available and lead a normal life," he said.

Inspector general (operations) R.P. Koche, deputy inspector general (northern range, Sambalpur) Satyabrata Bhoi and Balangir SP K. Shiva Subramani accompanied Sharma during his visit.