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Odisha Declares Bolangir & Bargarh Naxal-Free After Sustained Operations

Odisha Police have officially declared Bolangir and Bargarh districts free from Naxal activities, marking a critical achievement in the state's fight against Left Wing Extremism. Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania credited sustained joint operations, precise intelligence, and public cooperation for this success. The development follows the surrender of 15 Maoists in the bordering Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, who were active in the inter-state region. Police authorities stated that similar intensified operations will continue in other affected areas of Odisha to fully eradicate the threat.

Key Points: Odisha Police Declare Bolangir, Bargarh as Naxal-Free Districts

  • Two districts declared Naxal-free
  • Success due to joint ops & local support
  • 15 Maoists surrendered in bordering Chhattisgarh
  • Operations to intensify in other areas
  • Recent encounters & surrenders in Kandhamal & Berhampur
2 min read

"Bolangir and Bargarh declared Naxal-Free districts," says Odisha DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania

Odisha DGP announces Bolangir and Bargarh are now Naxal-free, crediting joint security operations and local support in a major LWE breakthrough.

"sustained joint operations... have led to the complete elimination of Naxal activities - DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania"

Bhubaneswar, March 2

In a breakthrough in its fight against Left Wing Extremism, the Odisha Police has declared Bolangir and Bargarh as Naxal-free districts, marking a significant milestone in the State's sustained anti-Naxal operations.

The Director General of Police (DGP), Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, has officially declared Bolangir district and Bargarh district as Naxal-free districts.

According to the press release, it is noteworthy that, in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh, which borders Bargarh district, 15 Maoists laid down their arms and joined the mainstream of society. These cadres were active in the Bargarh-Bolangir-Mahasamund division. With this development, both Bargarh and Bolangir districts have now been declared free from Naxal activities.

The DGP informed that sustained joint operations conducted over a prolonged period, precise intelligence inputs, coordinated efforts of Central and State security forces, and active cooperation from local residents have led to the complete elimination of Naxal activities from these two districts.

He stated that this significant achievement has been made possible due to the courage, restraint, and unwavering commitment of the police force.

The DGP congratulated all officers and personnel involved in the operations and expressed gratitude to the people for their trust and continued support.

He further stated that similar intensified operations will continue in other affected areas of the State to ensure the complete eradication of the Naxal problem at the earliest.

Earlier, two Maoists were killed in an exchange of fire with the security personnel in the Kandhamal district of Odisha.

Sanjeeb Panda, Additional Director General (ADG) of Police, Anti-Naxal Operations (ANO), stated that the encounter took place in the Karada forest area within the jurisdiction of Raikia police station in Kandhamal district.

Further, in a significant breakthrough for anti-insurgency operations, four active Maoist cadres, including three women, surrendered before Southern Range Inspector General (IG) Niti Shekhar at the Police Reserve Office in Berhampur.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A very positive step. But declaring a district "Naxal-free" is one thing. The real test is ensuring lasting peace through economic opportunities and social justice for the tribal and rural populations there. Hope the administration follows through.
R
Rohit P
The surrender of cadres, especially from across the border in Chhattisgarh, is the most significant part. When militants choose to lay down arms and join the mainstream, it shows our rehabilitation policies are working. More power to them for choosing peace.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in rural development, this news brings hope. The courage of the local residents who cooperated with police cannot be overstated. They risked a lot. Now, sustained investment in education and healthcare is crucial to prevent a vacuum.
V
Vikram M
Salute to the bravery of our Odisha Police and central forces! 🙏 These operations in difficult terrain require immense planning and sacrifice. The news from Kandhamal and Berhampur shows the momentum is with our security forces. Let's hope other affected districts see similar success soon.
N
Nikhil C
Good achievement, but a word of caution. We must be careful with such declarations. The problem often shifts rather than disappears. Continuous vigilance and winning the trust of the people in these districts is the only long-term solution. The work is far from over.

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