Bhubaneswar: Independence Day celebrations went off peacefully in the entire State, especially, with no reports of any untoward incidents from Maoist-infested areas so far, informed Odisha DGP Arun Kumar Sarangi.
Sarangi said that so far no Maoist activities has been reported from anywhere in the State. Flag hoisting by Ministers in different district headquarters went off peacefully, he added.
“Generally, Maoists carry out postering during the night of the 14th and as of now, there are no such reports. A Maoist group is active in the Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Boudh belt. Our campaign against them is underway. In the last seven months, we have neutralized one of their divisional commander Dasru and two cadres. Earlier, there was an intelligence and security vacuum in that area. We have intensified our anti-Maoist activities in that area and are getting the results gradually,” the DGP Sarangi said.
Sarangi informed that several of the Maoists have surrendered in that area.
“They are now demoralised due to the activities of the police in that area. Around 11 of that group have either surrendered or have been arrested. We are hopeful of making this area free of Maoists within a year,” he added.
