Bhubaneswar: DGP Y B Khurania on Thursday said Odisha has seen a decline in Maoist-affected districts from 10 to 7, supporting the Centre’s objective of achieving a Naxal-free nation by March 2026.
“Maoist influence was spread across 21 districts some years ago. The number of Maoist-affected districts subsequently came down to 10. Now, the number has decreased to seven,” Khurania said while reviewing the law and order situation in Sambalpur.
Odisha police sources indicated that 10 districts — Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Boudh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir and Bargarh — are officially listed as LWE-affected, while three districts — Koraput, Rayagada and Nabarangpur — have reported no Naxal-related incidents in the past three years.
“Since no Maoist movements have been reported in Koraput, Rayagada and Nabarangpur for a long period, we strongly believe that the Naxal-affected districts have come down to seven,” a police officer said.
DGP Khurania urged Maoists to abandon violence, saying, “Our personnel have been engaged in an anti-Naxal operation inside Gandhamardan hills on Bargarh-Balangir axis for the last five days. An exchange of fire with Maoists was also reported during the ongoing operation.”
Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently informed the assembly that about 100-120 Maoists currently operate in the state. Official records show that security forces eliminated 118 Maoists in the state over the past decade.