Bhubaneswar, April 16 (IANS): The Maoists have released five of the 11 people they abducted on April 13 in Odisha's Malkangiri district, police said on Thursday.

Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjeev Marik said an operation is continuing to rescue the remaining six kidnapped persons.

Some armed Maoists kidnapped 11 people from villages under Kartanpalli panchayat in Malkangiri district on April 13 night.

The Maoists have released the five people, including former block chairman of Mathili Trinath Bhumia, said the DGP.

Police have been keeping a strict vigil on the Maoist movement in the state after series of attacks by the rebels in neighbouring Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.

Marik said police in Maoist affected districts have been asked to be alert while information gathering about the movement of the ultras has been strengthened.

Police apprehend that the red insurgents may cross Odisha border following the ongoing combing operations in Sukma areas.