Bhubaneswar: Over the past decade, security forces in Odisha have eliminated 118 Maoists in anti-insurgency operations, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the state Assembly on Monday.
In a written response to a query from BJP MLA Kanhai Charan Danga, the Chief Minister stated that between 2015 and January 25, 2025, security personnel neutralized 118 CPI (Maoist) cadres across the state. Additionally, in a joint operation with Chhattisgarh Police, Odisha Police successfully eliminated 17 Maoists, including a senior central committee member of the banned outfit.
Highlighting the state’s crackdown on Maoist activities, Majhi revealed that in the last 10 years, 315 Maoists and their collaborators have been arrested, while 238 Maoists/militias have surrendered. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making Odisha free from Maoist insurgency by 2026 through intensified security measures.
To curb Maoist movements, the state has deployed a strong security presence in affected areas, including 72 companies of central armed forces, 32 special security battalions, 35 Special Operation Group (SOG) teams, 600 District Volunteer Force (DVF) jawans, 75 platoons of India Reserve Battalion, and more than 350 Odisha Special Striking Force personnel.
Majhi emphasized that intelligence-based operations are being conducted in Maoist-dominated regions to maintain security control.
The Chief Minister also outlined the state’s focus on modernizing security forces, equipping them with drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) interceptors, advanced communication systems, modern weaponry, and specialized anti-terrorism training. Moreover, Company Operational Bases (COBs) have been established in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) zones to enhance operational efficiency.
Odisha’s Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy continues to encourage Maoists to reintegrate into society. Under the policy, eligible surrendered cadres receive marriage assistance, educational stipends, housing and homestead land aid, and vocational training at Rs 6,000 per month for up to 36 months.
Majhi reaffirmed that the government remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate Maoist influence and restore peace and development in affected regions.
