Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP), Y.B. Khurania, has reported a significant decrease in the number of Maoist-affected districts in the state, dropping from 21 to just 7. This achievement underscores the state’s success in countering Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and aligns with the Centre’s objective of achieving a Maoist-free nation by 2026.
During his visit to Sambalpur, the DGP met with Superintendents of Police (SPs) from five districts to review strategies for addressing Maoist threats and improving public safety.
Khurania remarked that a few years ago, the influence of Maoists extended across 21 districts in Odisha. However, thanks to the sustained efforts of both state police and central forces, the number of affected districts has now decreased to 7.
“There was a time when 21 districts in Odisha were severely impacted by Maoist activities. Now, that number has fallen to seven,” Khurania stated while assessing the law and order situation in Sambalpur.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to eradicating Maoism by March 31, 2024, declaring, “We are determined to wipe out Maoism from the country by the end of the fiscal year.”
The DGP emphasised that Odisha shares borders with Maoist strongholds in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, making vigilant monitoring crucial. “We are maintaining strong surveillance along these borders and conducting intelligence-led operations, which have yielded significant successes,” he added.
According to sources within the Odisha Police, ten districts—Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Boudh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir, and Bargarh—are officially classified as LWE-affected. However, recent reports indicate that no Maoist-related incidents have occurred in three of these districts—Koraput, Rayagada, and Nabarangpur—for the past three years. “Given the absence of Maoist activities in these areas for an extended period, we strongly believe that the number of affected districts has now reduced to seven,” a police officer explained.
Khurania also addressed ongoing search operations, noting that they are producing positive results.
The DGP urged Maoists to renounce violence, referencing the ongoing anti-maoist operation in the Gandhamardan hills along the Bargarh-Balangir axis, which has resulted in an exchange of fire with Maoist forces.
It may be noted that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently informed the assembly that approximately 100-120 Maoists are active in the state, with security forces having eliminated 118 Maoists over the past decade.
