Home Minister Amit Shah hails milestone towards Naxal-free Odisha mission.
Odisha has reached a defining moment in its fight against insurgency. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Thursday that the state is now on the verge of becoming a Naxal-free Odisha. This statement follows a high-stakes security operation in the Kandhamal district, where security forces successfully neutralized six Naxalites, including a high-ranking commander.
The highlight of this Kandhamal encounter was the elimination of Ganesh Uike, a Central Committee Member of the banned CPI (Maoist). Uike was a high-profile target carrying a massive bounty of Rs 1.1 crore. As the head of the Maoist outfit in Odisha, his removal is viewed as a backbreaking blow to Left-Wing Extremism in the region. The operation began late Wednesday night and concluded by Thursday morning, showcasing the precision and readiness of the Odisha security forces.
Taking to social media platform X, Amit Shah emphasized that this victory is a giant leap toward a Naxal-free Bharat. He reiterated the Union Government's firm commitment to wiping out the insurgency entirely. The Centre has set a strict deadline of March 31, 2026, to ensure that Naxalism is completely eradicated from Indian soil.
Odisha’s success is not just a result of tactical combat but also a "multi-pronged" strategy. While security forces have intensified their presence through forward operating bases, the government has simultaneously focused on local development. Improved road networks, mobile connectivity, and better access to banking in tribal areas have significantly shrunk the operational base for Maoist groups.
Historically, Odisha was part of a sensitive corridor involving Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. However, better inter-state coordination and enhanced intelligence sharing have allowed the state to pull ahead in restoring peace. With the top leadership now decimated, officials believe the path to a Naxal-free Odisha is clearer than ever before, marking the beginning of a new era of safety and growth for the local population.
