Security forces across Malkangiri and Koraput districts have been placed on high alert as the banned CPI(Maoist) organization prepares to observe its annual PLGA Week from December 2 to December 8. This development comes at a crucial time when the extremist group's influence in the strategic Dandakaranya region has seen significant deterioration due to sustained security operations and major surrenders.
Security Measures Intensified Along Border Areas
According to police officials, the Maoists are expected to focus primarily on symbolic activities rather than large-scale mobilization, reflecting their diminished operational capabilities along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh-Chhattisgarh border triangle. Kanwar Vishal Singh, DIG (south-western range), emphasized that while the Maoist structure has suffered severe damage in the cut-off regions of Malkangiri and the broader Dandakaranya zone, complacency is not an option.
"We cannot afford to be complacent," stated DIG Singh. "Security personnel are on intensified vigil. Border areas with Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh have been sealed to prevent any Maoist influx. Our forces remain completely prepared to face any eventuality."
Sharp Decline in Maoist Capabilities
Intelligence assessments reveal a dramatic reduction in the Maoists' ability to organize large gatherings or tactical operations during this year's PLGA Week. This decline follows significant losses suffered by the group in neighboring states, where several senior Maoist leaders have either been neutralized or have chosen to surrender.
The statistical evidence underscores this downward trend: CPI(Maoist) has lost 320 cadres nationwide over the past year, including eight central committee members and fifteen state-level leaders. The organization also suffered the loss of its general secretary Basavaraj. The Dandakaranya region alone accounted for the highest casualties, with 243 Maoist cadres eliminated.
Enhanced Security Operations in Sensitive Areas
In Koraput district, security forces have significantly increased patrolling activities in sensitive pockets including Padua, Narayanpatna, and Laxmipur - areas historically known for Maoist activity. Combined teams of Border Security Force (BSF) and District Voluntary Force (DVF) are currently conducting comprehensive area-domination exercises in forested regions.
Koraput SP Rohit Verma highlighted the positive impact of improved infrastructure and development initiatives. "Improved road connectivity, livelihood programmes and the presence of security camps have boosted confidence among villagers," he noted. "Rural people are now more inclined to join hands with the administration for development rather than pick up arms."
Malkangiri SP Vinod Patil provided additional details about the security preparations: "Over the last two years, at least six hardcore Maoists have been arrested and eight have surrendered. Despite the decline, we are not taking any chances. Additional BSF and SOG companies have been deployed in sensitive zones. Vehicle checks and night patrolling have been intensified, particularly along the Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh borders."
While security officials anticipate that the week-long observance will pass without major incidents, they have cautioned that Maoists might attempt isolated attacks to demonstrate their continued relevance. A senior anti-Maoist operations officer remarked, "PLGA week is usually their most aggressive period," indicating that security forces remain prepared for any contingency.
The PLGA Week observance commemorates Maoist cadres Nalla Adi Reddy, Murali, and Naresh, who were killed in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh back in the year 2000. Despite the historical significance of this period for the organization, current indicators suggest their capacity for disruptive activities has been substantially curtailed.
