Bhubaneswar: In a strong push to eliminate left-wing extremism from Odisha ahead of the Centre’s March 31 deadline for a Naxal-free India, Additional Director General of Police (ADG, Anti-Naxal Operations) Sanjeeb Panda announced intensified security measures in key remaining Maoist pockets.
Speaking on the ongoing campaign, Panda stated that operations against the Maoists still active in the Gandhamardan hills will be ramped up significantly.
“Our action against Maoists left in Gandhamardan hill will be intensified. We have prepared a blueprint. In this, more CRPF and SOGs will be engaged. We are strengthening the intelligence inputs,” he said. He expressed confidence that the remaining Naxals in the area would either be neutralized or arrested before the target date.
Panda highlighted that some cadres also persist in the tri-junction districts of Kandhamal, Rayagada, and Kalahandi. “We will mobilise more resources so that our operation will be more intense. Before 31st March, we will achieve our target,” he affirmed.
Reiterating the government’s dual strategy of firm security action combined with rehabilitation opportunities, Panda appealed to the remaining Maoists: “At the same time, I would like to once again appeal to the remaining Maoists to renounce violence and join the mainstream. We will extend all assistance and support as per government norms.”
He noted substantial progress in clearing districts of Maoist influence. “As of now, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Boudh, Kandhamal are Naxal-free almost,” Panda said, though he clarified that Kandhamal remains the only district in Odisha still showing some Maoist presence according to recent classifications. He emphasized continued vigilance in these cleared areas due to the risk of infiltration from neighboring districts or states. “We are working accordingly,” he added.
This statement comes amid recent successes, including multiple surrenders and encounters that have reduced active Maoists in the state to fewer than 50.
