Phulbani: The significant achievement of the Kandhamal district police in their anti-Maoist campaign, where two Maoists were neutralized in a decisive operation has been lauded by DGP Y B Khurania.
The successful campaign led to the recovery of a rifle, revolver, live ammunition, walkie-talkie, battery, and other Maoist paraphernalia, underscoring the effectiveness of sustained pressure on Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) groups.
Initial investigations have identified the deceased Maoists as Manku, believed to be an Area Committee Member (ACM) cadre, and Chandan, a party member of the Maoist group active in Kandhamal. A massive search operation by the police is currently underway across the entire area.
The operation was launched by the district DVF jawan team, under the direct supervision of Kandhamal SP Harish B. C., acting on credible intelligence regarding Maoists hiding near the Puranjiab reserved forest under Baliguda police station.
While commending the brave efforts of the Kandhamal police, sources close to the Home Minister’s office reiterated his unwavering commitment to completely eradicating Naxalism from India by March 31, 2026.
This deadline has been a cornerstone of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ strategy, emphasizing a multi-pronged approach of intensified security operations, intelligence-led action, and accelerated development in affected regions.
Recently, during recent high-level review meetings in states affected by LWE, including Odisha, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that anti-Naxal operations would continue unabated, even during the monsoon season.
He asserted that Maoists would not be given any respite and urged those involved in Naxal activities to surrender and join the mainstream, offering rehabilitation benefits.
The ongoing successes, like the one in Kandhamal, are seen as crucial steps towards achieving the vision of a ‘Naxal-free India’, a priority under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
The government’s strategy focuses on choking financial support to Maoist groups, strengthening security forces, and ensuring that development reaches the last mile in remote and tribal areas, thereby addressing the root causes of extremism.