Odisha Police has made substantial progress in its long-term campaign against Naxalism, as confirmed by the Director General of Police, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania. In a formal statement, he announced that both Bolangir and Bargarh districts are now classified as free from Naxal activities, marking a significant achievement in the state’s anti-Naxal efforts.

This development underscores the effectiveness of coordinated actions taken by security forces at both the state and central levels, along with valuable intelligence and local community cooperation.

Impact of Joint Operations and Community Support

The DGP attributed the successful elimination of Naxal activities in these districts to a combination of prolonged joint operations and the active involvement of local residents. He emphasized the commitment and courage exhibited by the police force, which has played a critical role in reaching this milestone. Khurania expressed his gratitude to the local communities for their trust and ongoing support throughout the process. This announcement not only highlights a victory over insurgency in these regions but also serves as an encouragement for continuing operations aimed at tackling Naxalism in other affected areas of Odisha.

Recent Developments in Anti-Naxal Operations

In related developments, the situation in Odisha remains dynamic. Just last week, security forces engaged in a gunfight with Maoists in Kandhamal district, resulting in the death of two insurgents. Additional Director General of Police for Anti-Naxal Operations, Sanjeeb Panda, reported that the firefight occurred in the Karada forest area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Raikia police station. Such encounters indicate the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring stability in the region.

Surrender of Maoist Cadres

Earlier this month, significant headway was made when four active Maoist members, including three women, surrendered to law enforcement authorities in Berhampur. Southern Range Inspector General Niti Shekhar confirmed that these individuals belonged to the CPI (Maoist) KKBN division and hailed from various districts in Chhattisgarh, including Sukma, Bijapur, and Dantewada. They had been involved in numerous violent incidents and ongoing criminal cases. The intensified anti-Maoist initiatives by the Odisha Police, coupled with the state’s rehabilitation policies, appear to have influenced their decision to return to mainstream society.

Expectations for Other Districts

During the press briefing, Inspector General Niti Shekhar noted that with the successful operations underway, Boudh district has now been completely declared Maoist-free. Furthermore, he expressed optimism that Kandhamal district might also achieve the status of being Naxal-free in the near future. The ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies underline their relentless pursuit of eliminating Naxalism from Odisha.

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