Mayurbhanj (Orissa), Mar 29 : Maoists blew up three forest range offices in Similipal Tiger Project (STP) area in Orissa''s Mayurbhanj District early Sunday.

The incident took place at around 1:00 a. m. when Maoists blew up Barahakamuda, Chahala and Dhuduruchampa range offices located in different core areas of the forest reserve, said N Nagaraj Reddy, field director of STP.

They also tied up some tourists at Chahala and Forest personnel at Barahakamuda and Dhuduruchampa

The Maoists also set ablaze two government vehicles. However, there were no reports of any causality.

Security forces have rushed to the sites.

Maoists, who are banned in several states, say they are fighting for the rights of farmers and the poor.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has called the rebels the biggest challenge to the country''s internal security. (ANI)