Bhubaneswar: Despite intense operations by security forces, Maoist activities still persist in some areas of Odisha, with 60 to 70 Naxals present in the State.
Only 6 to 7 of these extremists are from the State, while the rest are from Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand. Chhattisgarh and Andhra cadre Maoists are leading the organization in Odisha, said Charu Dhwaj Aggarwal, IG BSF.
He added that the Centre and State governments have set a target to eradicate Naxals by 2026. Intensive search operations are underway in Maoist-affected areas, which forced them to surrender out of fear. Naxal activities are gradually decreasing due to the strong security system and development work, causing Naxals to join the mainstream.
There are 38 Naxal-affected districts in the country, with Malkangiri, Koraput, and Kandhamal being among the seven affected districts in Odisha.
The rebels have set up camps on the border of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, taking advantage of the vast forests in the area. They carry out massive violence whenever possible. Despite the BSF and DVF personnel’s search operations, in collaboration with the state police, the Naxals continue their activities.
Recently, a gun-battle occurred between the police and rebels on the banks of the Saberi river in Jinelguda, under the MV-79 police station in Malkangiri district. An extremist was killed, but later identified as a villager. Some Maoists escaped after firing at the jawans, fleeing into the jungle and returning to Chhattisgarh forests.
