Bhubaneswar: Mohan Charan Majhi, the chief minister of Odisha, asserted on Monday that there were barely 100 to 120 Maoists operating in the state at the moment.
“As per available information, at present about 100 to 120 Maoists are active in the state. The target is set to make India Naxal-free by March 2026.”, Majhi stated in a written statement to the state assembly.
While 15 of Odisha’s 30 districts were afflicted by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in 2018–19, the chief minister stated in another written response to the House that the number has since decreased to 10.
Kalahandi, Bolangir, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Bargarh, Boudh, Malkangiri, and Koraput were the ten districts.
More than 350 Odisha Special Striking Force teams, 65 platoons of the India Reserve Battalion, 30 platoons of Special Security Battalions, 72 companies of the central armed forces, 45 special operation group (SOG) teams, and roughly 600 District Volunteer Force (DVF) jawans have been sent to the Naxal-affected areas to combat Maoist activities in Odisha.
“Security forces are continuing area domination operations in the Maoist-affected areas based on intelligence inputs,” the CM stated.
Security forces deployed for anti-Maoist operations are receiving anti-terrorism training and modern equipment, including drones, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) interceptors, modern weapons, and communication equipment.
The chief minister added that action plans at the sub-divisional level have been created to address the Maoist issue. These plans involve enhancing operations, gathering intelligence, dismantling the Naxals’ supply routes, and effectively carrying out developmental projects.
“Under the policy, various benefits, including marriage assistance, stipend for study, homestead land, and housing aid have been extended to surrendered Maoist cadres as per the eligibility criteria,” Majhi continued, speaking about the state’s “Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy.”
“The state government provides compensation of up to Rs 30 lakh to the family members of slain police personnel engaged in anti-Maoist operations, besides proper treatment of those injured,” Majhi said, highlighting financial incentives.
“In case of death of a civilian in such an operation, the state government provides Rs 4 lakh ex gratia, while the central government gives another Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased.” Majhi also mentioned the government’s announcement of a reward of up to Rs 25 lakh for the capture or arrest of wanted Maoists.
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