Bhubaneswar, Nov 30: Despite sustained operations by security forces, Maoist activities continue to persist in certain regions of Odisha, with an estimated 60 to 70 Naxals still operating within the state. The government has set an ambitious target to make Odisha free from Maoist influence by March 2026.
Of the Naxals currently active in the state, only 6 to 7 are from Odisha, while the majority hail from neighboring states such as Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand.
According to Charu Dhwaj Aggarwal, Inspector General of the BSF, Maoists from Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh are largely leading the insurgent activities in Odisha.
Both the central and state governments have committed to eradicating Naxalism in the region by 2026. As part of this effort, intensified search operations are ongoing in Maoist-affected areas. These operations have led to some rebels surrendering out of fear, and Naxal activities have been reported to be gradually decreasing. This decline is attributed to the strengthened security apparatus as well as ongoing development initiatives that have encouraged some Maoists to reintegrate into society.
Odisha is one of the seven states in India with Naxal-affected districts. Of the 38 such districts in the country, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Kandhamal are among the most impacted in Odisha.
Aggarwal confirmed that anti-Maoist operations will continue in the coming days, with the Border Security Force (BSF) working closely with Odisha Police and intelligence agencies to eliminate Maoist influence and their supporters.
