Odisha Sees Dramatic Decline in Maoist Activity Ahead of National Deadline
In a significant development, the number of active Maoists in Odisha has plummeted from 40 to just 15 within a single month, according to data presented in the state assembly on Monday. This rapid reduction brings India closer to achieving the Centre's ambitious goal of freeing the country from Maoist influence by March 31.
District-Wide Classification and Current Status
Responding to a query from Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi provided a detailed written reply. Under the Centre's security-related expenditure (SRE) scheme, only Kandhamal district is currently classified as left-wing extremism (LWE) affected. Eight other districts—Boudh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, and Rayagada—are listed as legacy and thrust (L&T) districts.
Majhi stated, "Except 15 Maoists operating in the border areas of Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Rayagada districts, no other part of the state has Maoist presence." This marks a stark contrast to the situation on February 23, when Majhi had informed the assembly that 40 Naxals in splinter groups were spread across six districts: Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Boudh, Balangir, and Bargarh.
Commitment to National Target and Surrender Statistics
On Monday, Majhi reaffirmed Odisha's unwavering commitment to achieving the national target of eliminating left-wing extremism by the end of this month. He further reported that between 2024 and March 15, 2026, a total of 96 Maoists have surrendered in the state.
"Under the surrender and rehabilitation policy, the government is supporting their reintegration with financial assistance, housing, monthly stipends, vocational training for up to 36 months, marriage assistance, and health and ration cards," Majhi explained, highlighting the comprehensive support system in place.
Extensive Security Deployment and Financial Expenditure
In a separate reply to BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo, Majhi detailed the extensive security deployment in Naxal-affected regions to consolidate gains. The deployment includes:
- 28 companies of Border Security Force (BSF)
- 12 companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- 38 teams of Special Operations Group (SOG)
- 487 District Voluntary Force (DVF) personnel
- 37 platoons of India Reserve Battalion
- 29 platoons of special security battalion
- 59 platoons of Odisha special striking force
Majhi also disclosed that the state government has incurred an expenditure of Rs 298.67 crore towards the deployment of central armed police forces for anti-Maoist operations up to April 1, 2024. An additional Rs 21.44 crore has been sanctioned for CAPF deployment from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, underscoring the financial commitment to maintaining security.
This data underscores a rapid erosion of LWE networks in Odisha, positioning the state as a key player in India's broader strategy to combat extremism and enhance regional stability.
