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Odisha Declares Balangir & Bargarh LWE-Free After 15 Maoists Surrender

Odisha police have officially declared Balangir and Bargarh districts as free from Left-Wing Extremism following the surrender of 15 Maoists in neighboring Chhattisgarh. Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania credited sustained joint operations, intelligence, and public cooperation for this milestone. The state had previously declared five other districts as LWE-free, and villagers have begun dismantling Maoist memorials. However, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently stated that approximately 40 Maoists remain active in the state as intensified operations continue.

Key Points: Odisha Declares Balangir, Bargarh LWE-Free Districts

  • 15 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh
  • Balangir & Bargarh declared LWE-free
  • Joint ops & public cooperation credited
  • CM Majhi says ~40 Maoists still active
  • Villagers dismantle Maoist memorials
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Odisha declares two more districts LWE-free after 15 Maoists surrender

Odisha DGP declares Balangir and Bargarh LWE-free after 15 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh, marking a major milestone in anti-Naxal ops.

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

Bhubaneswar, March 1

Odisha Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on Sunday officially declared Balangir and Bargarh as LWE-free districts following the surrender of 15 Maoists in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

According to state police, the development marks a milestone in the state's ongoing anti-LWE operations. The 15 Maoists laid down their arms and joined the mainstream during a special event in Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, which shares a border with Odisha's Bargarh district.

Police sources said the surrendered cadres were active in the Bargarh-Balangir-Mahasamund division. They added that with the surrender of the 15 ultras in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, both Bargarh and Balangir have now been declared free of Naxal activities.

"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," DGP Khurania said.

He stated that the achievement was made possible due to the courage, restraint and commitment of the police force. On the occasion, he congratulated all officers and personnel involved in the operations and expressed gratitude to the public for their trust and continued support.

Khurania added that similar intensified operations would continue in other affected areas of the state to ensure the complete eradication of the Naxal problem at the earliest.

The Odisha Police had earlier declared Malkangiri, Koraput, Boudh, Nuapada and Nabarangpur as LWE-free districts.

Villagers in Odisha's once Maoist-dominated hinterlands have recently dismantled memorial structures erected by the Maoist organisation, signalling a shift in the internal security landscape of the state.

Meanwhile, with the deadline set for the complete eradication of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) approaching, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on February 23 stated that around 40 Maoists are currently active in various parts of the state.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A very positive step. But the real test begins now. The government must ensure these surrendered individuals are properly rehabilitated and given sustainable livelihood options. We've seen cases where lack of follow-up leads them back to old ways. Hope the administration has a solid plan.
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Rahul R
Good to see coordination between Odisha and Chhattisgarh police paying off. Border areas have always been a challenge. This surrender in Mahasamund having a direct impact on Bargarh shows how interconnected the issue is. More such joint ops are needed.
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Michael C
As someone who has worked in rural development in India, this is the most crucial part: "active cooperation from local residents." The community turning away from extremism is the true victory. Villagers dismantling Maoist memorials is a powerful symbol of that shift.
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Anjali F
While this is an achievement, let's not forget the root causes that allowed LWE to flourish in the first place - poverty, lack of governance, and alienation. Declaring districts "free" is one thing, but filling that vacuum with genuine development and justice is what will make it permanent.
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Vikram M
Heartening to see the list of LWE-free districts growing! Malkangiri, Koraput, and now Balangir & Bargarh. This gives hope for the remaining affected areas. The police and central forces have done a tough job under extremely difficult conditions. Salute to their bravery.

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