Odisha Police Declare State Free of Maoist Influence, Surrender Policy Officially Discontinued
In a significant development for state security, the Odisha police on Tuesday officially declared the state free of Maoist influence. This declaration comes with the consequential decision to discontinue the surrender and rehabilitation policy for rebels who failed to lay down their arms by the March 31 deadline.
Current Security Situation and Remaining Threats
According to police authorities, only 8-9 lower-rung Maoists remain active within the state's borders. Intensive combing operations are currently underway in the dense forests of Kandhamal district to neutralize this final threat. "We have succeeded in eliminating left-wing extremism from the state," stated ADG (anti-Naxal operations) Sanjeeb Panda. "The handful of Naxals who remain in Kandhamal pose no threat to Odisha. Since the deadline has lapsed, we will not accept surrenders any more. They may either be neutralised or arrested."
Panda expressed gratitude toward Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for implementing what he described as a "top-of-the-line surrender and rehabilitation policy" that contributed significantly to this achievement.
Collapse of Maoist Infrastructure in Odisha
The Additional Director General revealed that the CPI (Maoist) organization has effectively collapsed within Odisha, with no fresh cadre recruitment reported in recent years. "Between 2025 and 2026 so far, we have removed 156 cadres from the Maoist ecosystem through encounters, arrests and surrenders," Panda detailed. "Of these, 78 — including several senior leaders — surrendered in Odisha, while 42 laid down arms in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana."
During this critical period, security forces achieved substantial victories through coordinated operations:
- 10 Maoists were gunned down in Odisha
- 17 Maoists were eliminated in Chhattisgarh during joint operations
- Two highest-ranking central committee members, Chalapathi and Ganesh Uike, were among those neutralized
Historical Context and Geographical Progress
Police records indicate that in 2025, nine districts across Odisha were under Maoist influence:
- Koraput
- Malkangiri
- Nuapada
- Nabarangpur
- Kandhamal
- Kalahandi
- Rayagada
- Bargarh
- Balangir
Today, only a small patch in Kandhamal shows limited Maoist activity, representing a dramatic reduction in their geographical footprint across the state.
Continued Vigilance and Security Measures
Despite the declaration of victory, police authorities emphasized that security deployment will maintain positions to prevent any potential relapse. "We are still in alert mode and have not lowered our guard," Panda affirmed. "Our full concentration is now in Kandhamal." This ongoing vigilance reflects a commitment to sustaining the hard-won peace across the region.
The Heavy Cost of Victory
This security achievement came at a substantial human cost that authorities acknowledge with solemn respect. "The decades-long battle was not easy to win," Panda reflected. "We lost 239 security personnel and 359 civilians. Their sacrifices will be remembered forever. This victory is dedicated to our martyrs."
The ADG commended the coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies that contributed to this outcome, including:
- Special Operations Group
- District Voluntary Force
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Special Intelligence Wing
This comprehensive approach combining intelligence, specialized operations, and coordinated security measures proved instrumental in dismantling Maoist infrastructure across Odisha over the past two years.
