Odisha Police Declares Nabarangpur District Free From Maoist Influence
In a significant development for security forces in eastern India, Odisha police on Friday officially declared Nabarangpur district free from Maoist influence. This announcement comes just days after authorities declared neighboring Nuapada district free from Left-wing extremism, marking a progressive step in the state's counter-insurgency efforts.
Surrender of Final Nine Active Cadres in Chhattisgarh
The declaration follows the surrender of the last nine active Maoist cadres from the region, who turned themselves in to authorities in neighboring Chhattisgarh. These individuals, all hailing from Chhattisgarh, included two divisional committee members and carried a combined bounty of Rs 47 lakh on their heads. Notably, seven of the surrendered cadres were women, highlighting the diverse composition of the insurgent group.
"They had been operating in Nabarangpur district of Odisha and Dhamtari in Chhattisgarh under the Odisha state committee of CPI (Maoist)," explained ADG (anti-Naxal operations) Sanjeeb Panda. "With their surrender, we believe Nabarangpur is now free of Maoist presence. However, we will continue to remain vigilant to ensure this status is maintained."
Historical Context of Maoist Violence in Nabarangpur
For decades, Nabarangpur district had been plagued by persistent Left-wing extremism, witnessing several violent incidents orchestrated by Maoist insurgents. Among the most notable attacks were the assassination of former BJD MLA Jagabandhu Majhi and his personal security officer P K Patro on September 24, 2011, and the assault on Kundei police station in Raigarh block on July 16, 2010.
Police authorities clarified that none of the recently surrendered cadres were directly involved in those specific incidents from 15 to 16 years ago. This distinction is important as it indicates that while these individuals were active in the region, they were not connected to some of the most high-profile violent acts that occurred during the peak of Maoist activity.
Strategic Achievement in Counter-Insurgency Operations
This development represents a substantial achievement for Odisha police forces, aligning perfectly with the central government's ambitious target of eliminating Left-wing extremism nationwide by March 31. The successful declaration of Nabarangpur as Maoist-free demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated security operations between Odisha and Chhattisgarh authorities.
Police officials noted that Nabarangpur, which shares a border with Chhattisgarh, had not reported any Maoist-related activity for the past five years. This extended period of calm contributed to the confidence behind Friday's declaration, though authorities emphasized that vigilance would continue to prevent any resurgence of extremist elements.
Current Status of Maoist Influence in Odisha
With Nabarangpur now declared free from Maoist presence, the geographical footprint of Left-wing extremism in Odisha has significantly diminished. Of the state's 30 districts, Maoist influence now remains confined to pockets in just seven districts: Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Balangir, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, and Boudh.
This represents substantial progress from previous years when Maoist activity affected a much larger portion of the state. The reduction to seven districts indicates that sustained counter-insurgency efforts, combined with development initiatives in affected regions, are yielding positive results in Odisha's long-standing battle against Left-wing extremism.
