Bhubaneswar, July 6: Two Maoists were arrested from Narayanpatna area of rebel-dominated Koraput district today in the wake of a stepped up drive by the security forces.

Sources said Setu Kendraka and Naga Kendraka, who worked for the Andhra- Odisha Special Border Zonal Committee (AOSBZC), had eight cases against them. While Setu, the elder of the two, hails from Dandabadi village, Naga is a resident of the neighbouring Chintabadi.

Their arrest is the second major success achieved by the security forces combing the Narayanpatna and Badhugaon blocks of Koraput since March, when Laxmipur MLA, Jhina Hikaka was abducted by Maoists owing allegiance to AOSBZC. The rebels released the legislator after keeping him in their custody for over a month.

Senior police officials said the operation against the Maoists would be further intensified in the wake of these successes.On the other hand, reports state that the rebels and the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) had stepped up its activities, not only in Koraput district, but also in the neighbouring Malkangiri.

In Malkangiri, Maoists are reportedly threatening even panchayati raj representatives. Such is the fear that a number of these representatives in Kalimela block are thinking of resigning.