Union home minister Amit Shah has reiterated the Centre’s resolve to eliminate naxalism by March 2026, calling its eradication “one of the most significant moments since Independence” during a recent interaction with security personnel in Chhattisgarh.
Odisha, which has long been at the forefront of the battle against Left-wing extremism (LWE), is expected to play a critical role in achieving this national objective. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently declared Bargarh district naxal-free, reducing the number of LWE-affected districts in the state from 10 to nine — Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Balangir, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Rayagada and Boudh.
Additional director general (ADG) of anti-naxal operations Sanjeeb Panda said the development reflected the decline in Maoist activities. “As no naxal violence was reported in Bargarh in the last few years, we recently moved the MHA, seeking its removal from the list of districts affected by Maoists.
The MHA has approved our proposal,” he said. “We are optimistic about eradicating naxalism from our state by March 2026. Our primary focus remains on Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Rayagada, with additional attention on Nabarangpur and Nuapada, which border Chhattisgarh,” he added.
Odisha witnessed the height of Maoist violence between 2008 and 2012, when 21 of its 30 districts were affected by LWE. However, since 2012, 12 districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Nayagarh, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Angul, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj and Bargarh, have been progressively declared free of Maoist influence.
“Even Malkangiri and Koraput, once strongholds of naxal activities, have witnessed significant improvements due to effective security measures and govt-led development initiatives,” Panda said.
Despite these gains, a recent revival of Maoist activity in Sundargarh — declared free of LWE in 2024 — has raised concerns. In Rourkela police district, a railway employee was killed in a Maoist-triggered landmine blast on Aug 3, while 5,000 kg of gelatin sticks were stolen from a local stone quarry on May 27.
“We are recalibrating our strategy and bolstering our security apparatus in Rourkela. The recent Maoist movements in the district will not derail our broader fight against LWE. We have increased force deployment in Rourkela and strengthened our intelligence network in previously affected areas. The Special Operation Group (SOG) is conducting intelligence-based operations in these regions,” Panda said.
The south western range (SWR) — comprising Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Rayagada — remains under close watch. Deputy inspector general (SWR) Kanwar Vishal Singh said, “Over the past few years, we have intensified our efforts to curb Maoist activities in the SWR districts, especially Koraput and Malkangiri. Our strategy includes enhancing community engagement, improving intelligence networks and increasing the presence of security forces in vulnerable areas.”
In a bid to encourage Maoists to abandon violence, the Odisha govt has decided to revise its naxal surrender and rehabilitation policy, offering increased financial assistance and other benefits. “Our new surrender policy is nearing approval. We urge Maoists to surrender and take advantage of govt benefits. Those willing to surrender can contact us through the police helpline at 9437643839,” Panda said.
According to Odisha police, 90% of the Maoists operating in the state hail from neighbouring Chhattisgarh. The arrest of top Odia cadre Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda from Berhampur on July 17, 2014, gave a severe blow to the movement in the state.
In the wake of an intensified crackdown on Maoists in Chhattisgarh, Odisha police have stepped up operations and vigil along the inter-state borders.
Currently, six Maoist-affected districts — Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Balangir — share boundaries with Chhattisgarh. Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also requested additional forces and helicopter support from the Centre to address Maoist infiltration from Chhattisgarh.
The killing of top Maoist commander Nambala Keshava Rao (70), also known as Basavaraju, alongside 27 other naxal members during an encounter in Chhattisgarh in May dealt another major blow to the Maoist movement in Odisha, where he had been instrumental in organising and expanding the cadres.
“Only five or six Odia naxals are now active in Odisha. The cadres in our state have been thoroughly demoralised as they no longer receive support from locals,” another police
official said.
Odisha, which has long been at the forefront of the battle against Left-wing extremism (LWE), is expected to play a critical role in achieving this national objective. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently declared Bargarh district naxal-free, reducing the number of LWE-affected districts in the state from 10 to nine — Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Balangir, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Rayagada and Boudh.
Additional director general (ADG) of anti-naxal operations Sanjeeb Panda said the development reflected the decline in Maoist activities. “As no naxal violence was reported in Bargarh in the last few years, we recently moved the MHA, seeking its removal from the list of districts affected by Maoists.
The MHA has approved our proposal,” he said. “We are optimistic about eradicating naxalism from our state by March 2026. Our primary focus remains on Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Rayagada, with additional attention on Nabarangpur and Nuapada, which border Chhattisgarh,” he added.
Odisha witnessed the height of Maoist violence between 2008 and 2012, when 21 of its 30 districts were affected by LWE. However, since 2012, 12 districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Nayagarh, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Angul, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj and Bargarh, have been progressively declared free of Maoist influence.
“Even Malkangiri and Koraput, once strongholds of naxal activities, have witnessed significant improvements due to effective security measures and govt-led development initiatives,” Panda said.
Despite these gains, a recent revival of Maoist activity in Sundargarh — declared free of LWE in 2024 — has raised concerns. In Rourkela police district, a railway employee was killed in a Maoist-triggered landmine blast on Aug 3, while 5,000 kg of gelatin sticks were stolen from a local stone quarry on May 27.
“We are recalibrating our strategy and bolstering our security apparatus in Rourkela. The recent Maoist movements in the district will not derail our broader fight against LWE. We have increased force deployment in Rourkela and strengthened our intelligence network in previously affected areas. The Special Operation Group (SOG) is conducting intelligence-based operations in these regions,” Panda said.
The south western range (SWR) — comprising Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Rayagada — remains under close watch. Deputy inspector general (SWR) Kanwar Vishal Singh said, “Over the past few years, we have intensified our efforts to curb Maoist activities in the SWR districts, especially Koraput and Malkangiri. Our strategy includes enhancing community engagement, improving intelligence networks and increasing the presence of security forces in vulnerable areas.”
In a bid to encourage Maoists to abandon violence, the Odisha govt has decided to revise its naxal surrender and rehabilitation policy, offering increased financial assistance and other benefits. “Our new surrender policy is nearing approval. We urge Maoists to surrender and take advantage of govt benefits. Those willing to surrender can contact us through the police helpline at 9437643839,” Panda said.
According to Odisha police, 90% of the Maoists operating in the state hail from neighbouring Chhattisgarh. The arrest of top Odia cadre Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda from Berhampur on July 17, 2014, gave a severe blow to the movement in the state.
In the wake of an intensified crackdown on Maoists in Chhattisgarh, Odisha police have stepped up operations and vigil along the inter-state borders.
Currently, six Maoist-affected districts — Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Balangir — share boundaries with Chhattisgarh. Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also requested additional forces and helicopter support from the Centre to address Maoist infiltration from Chhattisgarh.
The killing of top Maoist commander Nambala Keshava Rao (70), also known as Basavaraju, alongside 27 other naxal members during an encounter in Chhattisgarh in May dealt another major blow to the Maoist movement in Odisha, where he had been instrumental in organising and expanding the cadres.
“Only five or six Odia naxals are now active in Odisha. The cadres in our state have been thoroughly demoralised as they no longer receive support from locals,” another police
official said.
You may also like
After SBI, Bank of India tags Anil Ambani, RCom accounts as 'fraud'
Rajasthan Floods: 2 Dead, Villages Submerged; Army, NDRF Lead Large-Scale Rescue Operations - VISUALS
'Stylish' Dunelm dog bed that's 'soft and cosy' sees 50% discount
ICSI CS June 2025 result to be announced on August 25 at icsi.edu; check time, steps to download and more
Hospitals To Stop Cashless Services For Bajaj Allianz, Patients To Pay Upfront From Sept 1
