Odisha Intensifies Security Measures as Naxalism Deadline Approaches
Synopsis
With the Union government's deadline for the eradication of Left-Wing Extremism looming, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi reveals that 40 Maoists are still active in the state, prompting increased security efforts and strategic operations.
Key Takeaways
40 Maoists remain active in Odisha.
The state government is targeting to eliminate LWE by March 31, 2026 .
Security forces are actively deployed in affected areas.
Intelligence operations are being enhanced to combat Maoist activities .
Recent operations have resulted in the neutralization of two Maoists .
Bhubaneswar, Feb 23 (NationPress) As the deadline for the total eradication of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) draws near, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Monday that approximately 40 Maoists remain active across various regions of the state.
While responding to a question posed by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo in the State Assembly, the Chief Minister disclosed that these Maoists are operating in small factions within specific areas of Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, Balangir, and Bargarh districts.
In his remarks, he noted that due to the dedicated efforts of security forces, there has been a steady improvement regarding the Maoist issue in the state.
According to him, under the current status of the Union government's Security Related Expenditure Scheme, only Kandhamal district is classified as an 'Other LWE Affected District', indicating moderate to low levels of Maoist violence. In contrast, eight districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Boudh, and Balangir—are categorized as 'Legacy and Thrust' districts.
The 'Legacy districts' no longer experience significant LWE violence, while 'Thrust districts' are those where there is potential for the expansion of Maoist activities.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is committed to addressing the Maoist challenge in Odisha by the deadline of March 31, 2026, set by the Union government.
He also underscored various measures taken by the state government to completely eliminate LWE in India.
According to Chief Minister Majhi, a total of 71 companies from the Central Armed Police Forces, 44 Special Operations Group (SOG) teams, around 839 personnel from the District Voluntary Force (DVF), 40 platoons of the India Reserve Battalion, 29 platoons of the Special Security Battalion, and over 92 platoons of the Odisha Special Striking Force (comprising ex-servicemen) are deployed in the affected regions.
The Odisha Police are consistently conducting intelligence-driven operations along with preventive area domination activities in the nine Maoist-affected regions.
Utilizing drones, interceptors, modern weaponry, and advanced communication tools, these anti-Maoist operations are being executed efficiently.
On February 22, two Maoists were neutralized in the Kandhamal district of Odisha.
Following the neutralization of these Maoists, extensive combing operations have been initiated in the Nandabadi jungle of the Kandhamal district.
Point of View
The situation in Odisha reflects the ongoing challenges posed by Left-Wing Extremism. The state's response is crucial in addressing security concerns while aiming for peace by the mandated deadline. A multifaceted approach may be necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Maoists are currently active in Odisha?
Approximately 40 Maoists are currently active in various regions of Odisha.
What is the deadline set by the Union government for eradicating LWE?
The deadline set by the Union government for the complete eradication of Left-Wing Extremism is March 31, 2026.
Which districts in Odisha are affected by Maoist violence?
The districts affected by Maoist violence include Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, Balangir, and Bargarh.
What measures is the Odisha government taking to combat Maoism?
The Odisha government has deployed various security forces and is conducting intelligence-driven operations to combat Maoism.
What categories are the districts classified under in relation to LWE?
Districts are classified as 'Legacy and Thrust' districts, with Kandhamal as an 'Other LWE Affected District' indicating moderate to low levels of violence.
