Vijayawada (AP): "Gunfire was exchanged today as well between Naxals and police in the agency area. There is information that six to seven of them have been killed. Complete details are yet to be received. Maoists are attempting to enter Andhra Pradesh from Chhattisgarh. Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring their movements. On November 17, we carried out a crucial operation. Yesterday in Maredumilli, Hidma and five others were killed in an encounter. Using the information collected from them, we focused on the places where Maoists were hiding. From NTR, Krishna, Kakinada, Konaseema and Eluru districts, we arrested 50 Maoists. We completed the operation without causing any harm to anyone. In the history of the state, this is the first time so many key Maoist figures have been arrested. We have arrested Central, State and Area Committee members, as well as platoon teams. We seized 45 weapons, 272 rounds, two magazines, 750 grams of wire and other material. Our field staff completed the operation as per the plan. Congratulations to everyone who participated. Our Intelligence Department worked very effectively in this matter. Even though we had prior information, we kept surveillance on them. We monitored their thoughts and activities. Once everything was set, we arrested all of them at once. Recently, some members surrendered in Telangana. They felt information might leak through them, creating problems. So they chose various places in Andhra Pradesh to take shelter for a few days. They planned to return to their own areas when the right time came. There is no further information regarding their movements or plans. The rumour that Hidma was captured alive and then killed is false."