BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the State Legislative Assembly that about 40 active Maoists are currently operating in Odisha, with their presence detected in six districts — Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, Bolangir and Bargarh.
The Chief Minister said small Maoist groups continue to carry out unlawful activities in select pockets of these districts. However, he emphasised that the overall situation has gradually improved due to sustained counter-insurgency measures undertaken by security forces.
Presenting figures from the past five years, Majhi stated that security personnel have neutralised 48 Maoists and arrested 78 cadres, while 82 insurgents surrendered during the same period. In 2025 alone, 25 Maoists were eliminated as part of intensified anti-Maoist operations across affected areas.
He further informed the House that under the Centre’s Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme, only Kandhamal district is presently categorised as an “Other LWE Affected District”. Meanwhile, eight districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Boudh and Bolangir — have been placed in the “Legacy & Thrust District” category.
Highlighting the government’s strategy, the Chief Minister said intelligence-driven combing operations and area domination exercises have been strengthened. Security forces are being equipped with modern technology, including drones, UAV interceptors, advanced weapons, and upgraded communication systems. Counter-insurgency training programmes have also been expanded to enhance police preparedness and operational efficiency.
Majhi added that anti-Maoist operations are now coordinated at the sub-divisional level, supported by strengthened intelligence networks and efforts to disrupt Maoist supply chains. Alongside security measures, the government is ensuring the effective implementation of development schemes in affected areas and urging Maoists to renounce violence and benefit from the revised surrender and rehabilitation policy.
Odisha moved closer to its goal of becoming a Maoist-free state after two Maoists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in the Nandabadi forest under Kandhamal district on February 22. Following the encounter, security personnel launched intensive combing operations in the forest area based on intelligence inputs regarding the possible presence of senior Maoist leaders.
The update indicates that while the security situation has improved significantly, authorities remain vigilant as enforcement and development initiatives continue simultaneously in vulnerable regions.
