In Orissa, armed Maoists attacked a hydel power plant at Balimela in Malkangiri district, paralysing power generation at the unit. More than 50 heavily armed red rebels entered the plant run by Orissa Hydro Power Corporation, set afire some portions of it and overpowered security personnel on duty late last night. The Maoists also ransacked the valve house atop a hill and set fire to equipment, causing extensive damage to some machines too.<br/>Simultaneously the ultras also damaged the intake tunnel through which water was flowing inside, crippling power generation at the unit. Before disappearing into the nearby dense forest, they put up several posters and banners demanding power supply to local villages, canal water to farm lands and stopping of Operation Green Hunt started by the police. <br/><br/>Meanwhile, additional security forces have rushed to the site and a massive combing operation has been launched to track the Maoists. Senior engineers and experts have rushed to the plant to take steps for resumption of power generation.<br/>In a similar attack, the Maoists made two explosions in Jharbeda and Bimalagarh under Balanga police station of Sundargarh district . However, no one was injured in the explosions.<br/>The red rebels put up several posters and banners carrying messages against the government and police before disappearing into the nearby dense forest.<br/><br/>Local residents said that the Maoists triggered explosions damaging machines and some vital structures in the power house.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, additional security forces were rushed to the site and a massive combing operation was launched to track the ultras, they said.<br/><br/>Senior engineers and experts have rushed to the plant to take steps for resumption of power generation, official sources said, adding that the project with a total capacity of 510 mw, was generating about 360 mw at present in view of low water level.<br/><br/>