Bhubaneswar, March 31:Sanjeeb Panda, Additional Director General of Anti-Naxal Operations in Odisha, highlighted the state's significant strides in eliminating the Naxal threat.
Panda credited the successful efforts of Odisha Police and allied security forces in curbing Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) across the region. He praised the collaboration between the Special Operations Group (SOG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and the intelligence wing for their tireless efforts.
Panda pointed to a notable achievement in the 2025-26 period, during which security forces neutralised 27 Naxalites, including 17 in Gariaband. In addition, 78 Naxals surrendered to Odisha Police, while 42 others laid down their arms in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Panda remarked, “Odisha Police has been highly successful in removing the Naxal threat from our state. I congratulate the SOG, CRPF, BSF, and our intelligence wing for their unwavering commitment. In 2025-26 alone, we neutralised 27 Naxals, including 17 in Gariaband. Another 78 Naxals surrendered to Odisha Police, and 42 in Chhattisgarh. A total of eight districts in the state are now Naxal-free.”
Panda further emphasised the continued success of the operations, stating that over the last 15 months, a total of 156 Naxals have been eliminated from the state. He also extended his gratitude to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for his guidance and support in this ongoing battle against extremism.
"The fight against Naxalism has come at a great cost, with 239 security personnel sacrificing their lives. However, thanks to the coordinated efforts of all our forces, only a few Naxals remain in the Kandhamal district,” he added.
This statement comes on the heels of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent comments on the central government's sustained efforts to tackle Naxalism in India. Reflecting on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s contributions, Shah acknowledged the eradication of Left-wing extremism in areas like Bastar and criticised the false narrative presented by Naxals, who had misled innocent tribal communities by claiming to fight for their rights. Shah also pointed out the government's initiatives to improve the region, such as constructing schools and establishing ration shops in villages.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has set a strategic goal under the "Naxal Mukt Bharat" (Naxal-Free India) mission, targeting the complete eradication of Left-Wing Extremism by March 31, 2026.
