Bhubaneswar: Odisha DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on Saturday said that the State Police has intensified operations against Naxals and that he personally reviewed the ongoing work during his visit to Phulbani in Kandhamal district.
During his visit, the DGP held detailed discussions with senior officers and field teams on the progress of anti-Naxal strategies.
“We are reviewing every step of the ongoing operations and planning the next phase. The Union Home Minister has set a deadline of March 31, 2026, to eliminate Naxal presence, and the Odisha Police is working in full alignment with this target,” Khurania said.
The DGP also highlighted that the force achieved significant success last year in destroying illegal ganja cultivation across Boudh, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Koraput districts. Similar efforts are underway this year, and the police are also conducting awareness campaigns in various areas.
“Wherever ganja cultivation is detected, police teams are acting swiftly to destroy the crops,” he added.
Khurania reiterated the state government’s appeal for Maoist cadres and sympathisers to surrender.
“We urge those involved in Naxal activities to leave the path of violence. Those who surrender will receive all facilities and benefits under the government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy,” the DGP said.
With the 2026 deadline drawing closer, the Odisha Police is focusing on both aggressive ground operations and community-oriented campaigns to weaken Naxal influence in remote regions.
