BSF Vows to End Maoism in Odisha by March 2026: A Bold Commitment to Safety and Development | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: BSF on Saturday pledged to eradicate Naxalism from the state by March 2026 by enhanced coordination with Odisha police and intelligence agencies and the deployment of advanced technology like drones and satellite surveillance.
Addressing a press conference on the eve of BSF’s raising day, Charu Dhwaj Aggarwal, inspector general, BSF Odisha, said presently there are 60 to 70 active Maoists in the state, mostly natives of other neighbouring states.
“Challenges remain, particularly in the dense forests of Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Boudh, where Maoist presence and IED threats persist. Additionally, the socio-economic impact of Maoist-linked narcotics trafficking, especially ganja cultivation, poses new hurdles,” he said.
Aggarwal said that since its deployment, BSF, with the active support of Odisha police, has emerged as a game-changer in fight against Maoists. “Operating in some of the most treacherous terrains, high-profile Maoist leaders were neutralised, arms and explosives were recovered, and the surrender of hardcore cadres was facilitated,” he said.
The BSF IG said their achievements include the neutralisation of three dreaded Maoists, surrender of 24 hardcore cadres, and the recovery of 34 IEDs, 117 grenades and a large cache of arms and ammunition.
“On this day, let’s also remember the 14 BSF officers and personnel who made the supreme sacrifice and laid down their lives to protect the national honour while combating Maoists in Odisha since 2010,” he said.
“One of the most celebrated achievements is transforming the erstwhile cut-off area, once a Maoist stronghold, into Swabhiman Anchal. Gurupriya bridge, inaugurated in 2018, marked a watershed moment, connecting 151 villages and benefiting over 31,000 residents,” he said.
BSF has also been contributing to the socio-economic development in Maoist-affected regions. Since 2010, 12,116 schools, 1,037 hospitals, 152 small bridges and 63 roads were constructed, while the installation of 99 mobile towers improved connectivity in these areas.
“From being the nemesis of Maoists to becoming the liberators of Swabhiman Anchal, BSF’s record in preserving human rights and fostering development has brought stability to the region,” he said.
Addressing a press conference on the eve of BSF’s raising day, Charu Dhwaj Aggarwal, inspector general, BSF Odisha, said presently there are 60 to 70 active Maoists in the state, mostly natives of other neighbouring states.
“Challenges remain, particularly in the dense forests of Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Boudh, where Maoist presence and IED threats persist. Additionally, the socio-economic impact of Maoist-linked narcotics trafficking, especially ganja cultivation, poses new hurdles,” he said.
Aggarwal said that since its deployment, BSF, with the active support of Odisha police, has emerged as a game-changer in fight against Maoists. “Operating in some of the most treacherous terrains, high-profile Maoist leaders were neutralised, arms and explosives were recovered, and the surrender of hardcore cadres was facilitated,” he said.
The BSF IG said their achievements include the neutralisation of three dreaded Maoists, surrender of 24 hardcore cadres, and the recovery of 34 IEDs, 117 grenades and a large cache of arms and ammunition.
“On this day, let’s also remember the 14 BSF officers and personnel who made the supreme sacrifice and laid down their lives to protect the national honour while combating Maoists in Odisha since 2010,” he said.
“One of the most celebrated achievements is transforming the erstwhile cut-off area, once a Maoist stronghold, into Swabhiman Anchal. Gurupriya bridge, inaugurated in 2018, marked a watershed moment, connecting 151 villages and benefiting over 31,000 residents,” he said.
BSF has also been contributing to the socio-economic development in Maoist-affected regions. Since 2010, 12,116 schools, 1,037 hospitals, 152 small bridges and 63 roads were constructed, while the installation of 99 mobile towers improved connectivity in these areas.
“From being the nemesis of Maoists to becoming the liberators of Swabhiman Anchal, BSF’s record in preserving human rights and fostering development has brought stability to the region,” he said.
