CM: Only 40 Maoists remain active in splinter groups in 6 districts

Bhubaneswar: With just over a month left for the Centre’s March 31 deadline to eradicate Naxalism from the country, state govt on Monday revealed that only about 40 Maoists now remain active in splinter groups in six districts.

CM Mohan Charan Majhi, responding to a written query by BJD legislator Dhruba Charan Sahoo in the assembly, said the cadres are operating in pockets of Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Boudh, Balangir and Bargarh districts. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to meet the national target of eliminating Left-wing extremism (LWE).




“Kandhamal is the only district covered under the Centre’s security-related expenditure (SRE) scheme, while eight districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Boudh and Balangir — are classified as ‘legacy and thrust’ zones,” Majhi said.

According to Odisha police, ‘legacy and thrust’ districts are those where extremism has either collapsed or is on the verge of eradication. Significantly, since Jan 19, Odisha police have declared Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Koraput and Boudh Maoist-free following the surrender of the last active cadres in these districts.

The CM further informed that to consolidate gains, the state has deployed 71 companies of central armed police forces, 44 special operation group (SOG) teams, 839 district voluntary force (DVF) jawans, 49 platoons of India Reserve Battalion, 29 platoons of special security battalion, and 92 platoons of Odisha Special Striking Force.

“Intelligence-driven combing operations and area domination activities have been intensified, supported by modern equipment such as drones, UAV interceptors, advanced weapons, and upgraded communication systems. Counter-insurgency training has also been expanded to enhance police capabilities,” the CM said.

Majhi noted that anti-Maoist operations are now coordinated at the sub-divisional level, with strengthened intelligence networks and disruption of Maoist supply chains. “Alongside security measures, the govt is ensuring effective implementation of development schemes in affected areas. Maoists are being consistently urged to abandon violence and take advantage of the revised surrender and rehabilitation policy,” he said.