Odisha Police Declare Balangir and Bargarh Districts Free from Naxal Influence
In a significant development for regional security, Odisha police officially declared on Sunday that Balangir and Bargarh districts, along with the Gandhamardan hills spanning these two regions, are now completely free from Naxal influence. This announcement marks a crucial milestone in the state's ongoing efforts to combat left-wing extremism.
Surrender of Maoist Leader and Cadres
The declaration came immediately following the surrender of 15 Maoists in neighboring Chhattisgarh earlier in the day. The group was led by their 64-year-old leader Sudarshan, who also goes by the alias Bikash. This surrender represents a major blow to Maoist operations in the area.
Inspector General of Police (northern range) Himanshu Lal, along with the Superintendents of Police for Balangir and Bargarh, Abilash G and Prahalad Meena, were present during the surrender ceremony in Chhattisgarh. Their presence underscored the coordinated efforts between state police forces in addressing the Naxal threat.
Gandhamardan Hills: A Former Maoist Stronghold
The Gandhamardan hills had long served as a strategic stronghold for Maoist operations under Sudarshan's leadership. As a senior member of the special zonal committee and head of the Balangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund (BBM) division, Sudarshan was a key figure in the region's extremist activities. He carried a substantial reward of Rs 55 lakh on his head, highlighting his significance within the Maoist hierarchy.
IGP Himanshu Lal explained the operational success: "We had mobilized full resources across the hills to foil Maoist plans. Sudarshan and his team were part of the BBM division. Their surrender has rendered the Gandhamardan hills as well as Balangir and Bargarh districts free of Naxal presence."
Path to Surrender and Mainstream Integration
The BBM division had recently taken a formal step toward surrender by writing a four-page letter to the Chhattisgarh government. In this communication, the group expressed their willingness to join the mainstream and requested a suspension of operations in the Gandhamardan range, indicating their movement toward laying down arms.
This development follows a broader trend of declining Naxal influence in Odisha. Since January, Odisha police had already declared several other districts free from Naxal activity, including Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Boudh. These declarations came after the last active cadres in those regions surrendered their weapons.
The surrender of Sudarshan and his team not only eliminates a significant operational unit but also demonstrates the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies in encouraging extremists to abandon violence and reintegrate into society. This progress contributes to enhanced security and stability in western Odisha.
