Malkangiri District Achieves Historic Maoist-Free Status in Odisha
In a significant development for security in southern Odisha, Malkangiri district has been officially declared Maoist-free. This landmark announcement came on Wednesday after a senior member of the banned CPI (Maoist) organization surrendered before police authorities, signaling a dramatic shift in the region's security landscape.
Key Commander Surrenders Weapons and Materials
The surrendered cadre has been identified as Sukhram Markam, aged 32, who operated under multiple aliases including Suresh and Yogesh. Markam served as a commander of the Kangerghati area committee, representing a significant leadership position within the Maoist hierarchy. His surrender included handing over substantial weaponry and materials, including:
- An SLR rifle with ammunition
- Improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
- Various other Maoist materials and equipment
Security Officials Cite Sustained Operations and Development
Sanjeeb Panda, ADG of anti-Naxal operations, explained the achievement: "With sustained security operations and development activities reaching deep into remote areas, Maoist activities have now been contained and we declare the district free from Maoist influence."
However, Panda emphasized that security forces will maintain vigilance, stating: "There is no room for complacency. Forces will remain on high alert and intelligence-based area dominance exercises will continue."
From Strategic Stronghold to Peaceful District
Malkangiri's transformation represents a remarkable turnaround for a region that was long considered a strategic Maoist stronghold. Bordering both Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, the district witnessed some of the deadliest Maoist attacks in recent history, including:
- The 2008 Balimela reservoir ambush where rebels sank a boat carrying Greyhound commandos, resulting in 35 casualties
- An anti-landmine vehicle blast that killed 17 security personnel
- The 2011 abduction of then Malkangiri collector R Vineel Krishna from the cut-off area
For years, the district's large forest tracts and remote tribal villages served as safe havens for Maoist activities, with rebels establishing parallel administrations, enforcing shutdowns, conducting extortion drives, and targeting both civilians and security forces.
Leadership Vacuum and Diminished Local Support
Malkangiri SP Vinod Patil highlighted the significance of the surrender: "The surrender of an ACM-rank commander shows how hollow and isolated the Maoist movement has become. There is no local support left and the leadership vacuum has weakened the organization beyond repair."
Police investigations revealed that Sukhram Markam, originally from Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, joined the CPI (Maoist) in 2010. He received extensive training in ideology, weapons handling, and guerrilla tactics, rising through the organization's hierarchy. Authorities allege his involvement in several violent incidents across both Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Factors Leading to Surrender and Rehabilitation
Officers identified multiple factors that encouraged Markam's decision to surrender:
- Sustained pressure from security forces conducting continuous operations
- The state government's surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy offering a path to mainstream life
- Repeated appeals by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urging Maoists to return to lawful society
SP Patil explained Markam's motivation: "He realized that development, dignity, and a lawful life offer a better future than violence."
Historical Context and Regional Significance
While sporadic Maoist movements were noticed in later years, the last major action in Malkangiri district occurred on November 21, 2014, under MV-79 police station limits. During that incident, a rebel was gunned down in an exchange of fire with the district voluntary force.
With this declaration, Malkangiri becomes the third district under the south-western range to achieve Maoist-free status, following similar achievements in Nuapada and Nabarangpur districts.
A Victory Beyond Security
Kanwar Vishal Singh, DIG of the south-western range, framed the achievement in broader terms: "This is not just a security success; it is a victory for peace and development. We urge the remaining underground cadres in other areas to join the mainstream and lead a dignified life."
The declaration of Malkangiri as Maoist-free represents a significant milestone in Odisha's ongoing efforts to address Left Wing Extremism through a combination of security measures, development initiatives, and rehabilitation programs aimed at bringing lasting peace to the region's tribal hinterlands.
