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Odisha Villagers Dismantle Maoist Memorials as Region Declared Naxal-Free

Villagers in Odisha's Malkangiri district have voluntarily dismantled over 20 memorial structures erected by the banned CPI (Maoist). This action follows collective discussions where residents stated the memorials no longer represented their aspirations, blaming years of extremist influence for fear and stalled development. The move comes after the district was officially declared Naxal-free following a senior Maoist leader's surrender in early February. While praising police and administrative efforts for restoring peace, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently noted that about 40 Maoists remain active elsewhere in the state.

Key Points: Odisha Villagers Voluntarily Dismantle Maoist Memorials

  • Villagers dismantle 20+ Maoist memorials
  • Malkangiri declared Naxal-free
  • Praise for police & administration efforts
  • Shift from fear to peace & development
  • CM reveals 40 Maoists still active in state
2 min read

Odisha: Malkangiri residents dismantle extremist memorials

In a major shift, Malkangiri residents dismantle 20+ extremist memorials, praising police efforts as the district is declared Naxal-free.

"these structures no longer represent their aspirations - Malkangiri villagers"

Bhubaneswar, Feb 26

With the Naxalite movement nearing its end in the state, villagers in Odisha's once Maoist-dominated hinterlands voluntarily dismantled memorial structures erected by the outlawed organisation on Thursday, marking a significant shift in the internal security landscape of the state.

"In a heartening development from Swabhiman Aanchal area and various interior pockets of Kalimela, Mathili, Khairput area of Malkangiri district, local villagers have voluntarily dismantled a total of 20 memorial structures that were earlier put up by cadres of the banned CPI (Maoist) and are further removing the remaining structures," informed the Malkangiri police on Thursday.

It further added that the villagers, through collective discussions, decided that these structures no longer represent their aspirations.

The villagers emphasised that years of extremist influence only brought fear, disruption of basic services, and stalled development work in their areas.

Villagers praised the sustained efforts of the district police and civil administration, stating that measures such as area domination, community policing, civic action programmes, and welfare initiatives have restored confidence in previously affected regions and created conditions for lasting peace.

In the backdrop of Malkangiri being declared Naxal-free, this development is further a positive indicator of changing ground realities in the region.

The Malkangiri district in Odisha, once considered a bastion of Maoist insurgency, was officially declared Naxal-free after a senior CPI (Maoist) leader surrendered before the police on February 4, marking a breakthrough in the state's efforts to eradicate Left-wing extremism.

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

The Odisha Police is regularly carrying out intelligence-based operations and preventive area domination operations in various Maoist-affected areas to completely eradicate the menace.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has followed this conflict, it's remarkable to see such a grassroots shift. The community deciding these memorials don't represent their aspirations is powerful. It shows real change comes from within, supported by effective policing and welfare initiatives. A hopeful sign for lasting peace.
P
Priyanka N
Finally! My cousin served in the CRPF in that region years ago. The stories he told were terrifying. This voluntary dismantling is the biggest victory—it means the people's minds are now free. Hope the administration now focuses 100% on roads, schools, and hospitals to cement this peace. 🙏
A
Aman W
A positive step, no doubt. But the article mentions 40 Maoists are still active. We must not become complacent. The police and intelligence must remain vigilant. The real test is ensuring these areas get sustainable development so that extremism never finds fertile ground again.
K
Karthik V
This is what "Jan Bhagidari" (people's participation) looks like! When citizens themselves reject the symbols of violence, it's a game-changer. Kudos to the Odisha police and civil administration for their sustained efforts. Hope other affected states learn from this model.
M
Michael C
A respectful criticism: While this is excellent news, the focus should now shift entirely to rehabilitation and economic opportunities. Declaring an area "free" is one thing; ensuring it stays free through prosperity is another. The government must deliver on its promises of development without delay.

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