Bhubaneswar, Nov 13 : Orissa is gearing up for a joint operation with central forces against the Maoists who are active in more than half of the state's 30 districts, a senior official said Friday.

"We are gearing up for the operation. It has been delayed a bit but we will take up the matter with union Home Secretary G. K. Pillai who will come here on Nov 20. We will have a detailed discussion with him before launching the operation," the official said, declining to be named.

"We will discuss with the union home secretary how to establish better coordination between the state and the centre and neighbouring states to counter the Maoist menace. We will certainly work out a robust strategy along with the union government during the discussion," he added.

There has been a spurt in Maoist violence in the past few days. Seven people were killed since Thursday - four in Rayagada Thursday, and three paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force personnel Friday in Malkangiri district.

Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik Friday described the Maoist killings as "tragic".

Sixteen of Orissa's 30 districts are considered Maoist-dominated. Six southwestern districts - Malkangiri, Koraput, Raygada, Kandhamal, Nayagarh and Gajapati - are the worst hit. (IANS)