Odisha govt asks police to intensify anti-Maoist operations to combat Left-wing extremism

Bhubaneswar: State govt has asked Odisha police to intensify its anti-Maoist operations, aligning with the Centre’s goal of making the country Maoist-free by March 2026.While assessing the current situation regarding Left-wing extremism (LWE) in the presence of senior police officers here on Thursday, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja emphasised the need for a coordinated crackdown involving both Odisha police and central forces. The meeting, attended by DGP Y B Khurania, ADG (anti-Naxal operations), Sanjeeb Panda, and senior officers from CRPF and BSF, focused on enhancing the effectiveness of ongoing operations against LWE.While the specifics of the meeting were not disclosed, sources within Odisha police revealed that the discussions centred on strategies to combat Maoist influence in Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Nuapada districts. A key decision taken during the meeting was the establishment of additional security camps at vulnerable locations along the border with Chhattisgarh to curb the interstate movement of Maoists.According to Odisha police, a significant portion of Maoists operating in the state originate from neighbouring Chhattisgarh. “In response to the intensified crackdown on Maoists in Chhattisgarh, we increased our operations and vigilance along the borders. Currently, six Maoist-affected districts — Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Balangir — share boundaries with Chhattisgarh. SPs have been instructed to remain fully alert,” a senior police officer stated.Sources said the chief secretary reviewed the progress of development work, including construction of roads and installation of mobile towers, in Maoist-affected areas. Requirement of funds under modernisation scheme to strengthen anti-Maoist operations was also discussed during the meeting.Following the recent resurgence of Maoist activity in Rourkela police district within Sundargarh, the govt urged police to recalibrate their strategy and strengthen security measures. Although Sundargarh was declared Maoist-free by the ministry of home affairs in 2024, recent incidents, including the death of a railway employee in a rebel-triggered landmine blast on Aug 3 and the theft of 5,000kg of explosives from a local stone quarry on May 27, indicate a Maoist resurgence.“SPs of Malkangiri and Koraput, once Maoist strongholds, have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance, despite the absence of rebel-led violence in these districts in recent years,” the police officer said.