Police Intensify Anti-Maoist Operations After Neutralizing Two Cadres in Kandhamal
Security forces have significantly intensified their anti-Maoist operations in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, following the successful neutralization of two Maoist cadres and the seizure of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. The operation, which took place in the Nandabali reserve forest under Raikia police limits, marks a critical development in the ongoing efforts to curb left-wing extremism in the region.
Massive Combing Operation Underway
According to ADG (anti-Naxal) Sanjeeb Panda, security forces are now stepping up their efforts to trace other Maoist cadres and establish complete domination over the area. A massive combing operation is currently underway, with personnel from multiple units working in coordination to secure the forested terrain and prevent any further insurgent activities.
The two Maoists were killed during an intense exchange of fire with jawans from the special operation group (SOG) on Sunday. The encounter lasted nearly two hours and resulted in the elimination of Jagesh, who served as the deputy commander of a militant platoon of the CPI (Maoist), and Ratna, a party member. The state government had announced substantial rewards for their capture, with Rs 22 lakh for Jagesh and Rs 1.65 lakh for Ratna.
Substantial Weapons Cache Seized
In addition to neutralizing the two cadres, security forces managed to seize a significant arsenal of weapons and related materials from the encounter site. The seized items include:
- One AK-47 rifle fitted with an under barrel grenade launcher (UBGL)
- One 7.62 mm self-loading rifle (SLR) with magazine
- Multiple magazines and ammunition for INSAS, SLR, and AK-47 rifles
- Detonators and various Maoist literature
- Medicines and other essential articles used by the insurgents
The state government has also announced rewards for the seized weapons, offering Rs 3.3 lakh for the AK-47 rifles, Rs 44,000 for the UBGL, and Rs 1.65 lakh for the 7.62 mm SLR. This move is part of a broader strategy to incentivize the recovery of arms and disrupt the logistical capabilities of Maoist groups.
Involvement in Multiple Incidents
Police investigations have revealed that the slain Maoists were actively involved in at least 11 separate incidents across the Kandhamal district since 2020. These incidents include:
- Three incidents under the Tumudibandh police limits
- Seven incidents under the Gochhapada police limits
- One incident under the Raikia police limits
SP (Kandhamal) Harish BC stated that authorities are currently verifying the involvement of the two cadres in other Maoist activities, suggesting that their roles may have been more extensive than initially documented.
Broader Maoist Network in the District
Police officials have disclosed that approximately 30 Maoists, including the two neutralized cadres, have been operating in the Kandhamal district under the leadership of Sukru. Sukru is identified as a state zonal committee member of the Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division of the CPI (Maoist). This revelation underscores the persistent presence of organized Maoist networks in the region, despite ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
The recent operation was launched based on specific intelligence, with 11 SOG teams and two CRPF teams from the 127 and 64 battalions initiating a joint operation on Friday night. The coordinated effort culminated in the Sunday encounter, highlighting the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in combating left-wing extremism.
National Deadline to End Naxalism
In line with the Centre's directive to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, state police officials have reaffirmed their commitment to working with full dedication to meet this critical deadline. The intensified operations in Kandhamal are part of a larger national strategy to dismantle Maoist infrastructure and restore peace in affected regions.
The ongoing combing operations and the recent successes in Kandhamal demonstrate the resolve of security forces to address the Maoist threat comprehensively. As authorities continue to dominate the area and trace remaining cadres, the focus remains on achieving sustainable security and development in the region.
