Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revealed that approximately 40 Maoists are currently active in specific regions of the state. These Maoists are operating in small groups across districts like Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, Balangir, and Bargarh. The Chief Minister mentioned that due to the joint efforts of security forces, there has been a gradual improvement in addressing the Maoist issue in Odisha.
The Chief Minister informed the State Assembly that Kandhamal district is the only area categorized as “Other LWE Affected District” under the Union government’s Security Related Expenditure Scheme. The remaining eight districts, including Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Boudh, and Balangir, are classified as “Legacy and Thrust” districts. Legacy districts are no longer significantly impacted by LWE violence, while Thrust districts are areas with potential for Maoist activities to expand.
To combat the Maoist problem, the state government aims to resolve the issue by the deadline of March 31, 2026, as set by the Union government. Various measures are being implemented, such as deploying 71 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, 44 Special Operations Group teams, District Voluntary Force personnel, India Reserve Battalion platoons, Special Security Battalion platoons, and Odisha Special Striking Force platoons in affected regions.
The Odisha Police is actively conducting intelligence-based operations and preventive area domination activities in the nine Maoist-affected areas. Advanced tools like drones, interceptors, modern weaponry, and communication equipment are being utilized in anti-Maoist operations. Recent operations in Kandhamal led to the neutralization of two Maoists, prompting extensive combing operations in the Nandabadi jungle.
