Bhubaneswar, March 23: With the March 31 deadline for the elimination of Left-Wing Maoists across the country set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah fast approaching, a focused anti-Maoist operation is underway in the forested border areas of Kandhamal district. Security forces have ramped up their combing efforts to locate and apprehend the 11 Maoists believed to be hiding in the forest region.

The operation gained momentum on Monday after Maoist posters appeared, marking a significant development in the crackdown. The intensified search is taking place across the dense forests along the inter-district borders of Rayagada, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi. Officials confirmed that this operation is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle the remaining Maoist insurgent network in the area.

Coordinated search operations are being led by joint teams from the Special Operations Group (SOG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), District Voluntary Force (DVF), and Border Security Force (BSF). These forces are navigating difficult terrain in their efforts to track down the absconding Maoists.

Among those on the run is Shukru, a key Maoist leader linked to the banned CPI (Maoist) Special Zonal Committee. Other wanted operatives include Sheela, a member of the Divisional Committee, and Rajita, Manku, Santosh, Sandhya, and Sushma, who are members of the Area Committee, along with four other cadres.

The operation follows a series of recent surrenders, which indicate increasing pressure on the Maoist forces.

In Kandhamal, 10 Maoists recently surrendered, while an additional 10 gave up their arms in neighbouring Kalahandi, suggesting a weakening of the insurgency.

In response, the Odisha government has announced cash rewards for any information leading to the capture of the absconding Maoists.

Posters detailing the wanted individuals have been circulated widely in the forested areas and nearby villages, and authorities have assured that the identities of informants will remain confidential.