Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said Odisha had achieved significant success in eliminating Naxal and Maoist violence through sustained police operations and firm measures taken by the state government.
Addressing the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Divas’ celebrations at the OSAP 7th Battalion Parade Ground here on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Chief Minister credited the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the state’s achievement of becoming completely Naxal-free.
Praising the dedication, hard work and efficiency of Odisha Police, Majhi said areas that once witnessed an atmosphere of fear, where people hesitated to venture out even during daytime, had now become peaceful.
Highlighting the importance of internal security for economic growth, the Chief Minister said Odisha had embarked on a new phase of industrialisation over the past two years, attracting investments from both domestic and international investors.
He emphasised that peace, security and a strong law-and-order system were essential for industrial and business development, adding that Odisha Police had played a crucial role in maintaining a peaceful and conducive environment in the state.
Paying tribute to Sardar Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India, Majhi said his extraordinary political foresight, firm determination and pragmatic leadership had united more than 560 princely states, laying the foundation for a strong and united India.
He said Patel’s birth anniversary was not merely an occasion to celebrate his legacy but also an opportunity to renew the collective commitment to patriotism, national unity and territorial integrity.
Recalling the contributions of eminent personalities from Odisha, including Dr Harekrushna Mahtab, to the freedom struggle and the integration of princely states, Majhi urged people to rise above caste, religion, creed and linguistic differences.
He called upon everyone to uphold their identity as Indians and Odias and work collectively towards building a prosperous and developed Odisha.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also joined virtually the National Unity Day parade programme held at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Hemant Sharma, Intelligence Director R.P. Koche, senior police officers, personnel and other dignitaries attended the programme.
