DGP Abhay Reviews Anti Naxal Operations In Kandhamal

Kandhamal: Odisha Police DGP Abhay has reviewed the ongoing anti-naxal operations in Kandhamal district today. During his review meeting, he said “Only less than 10 percent Odia cadre naxals are operating in Odisha. I appeal all to surrender as state and center have a good surrender policy for their livelihood too. I congratulate the police forces for this operation and the Union Home Ministry has also commended Odisha police for this. Last year 13 naxals surrendered and this year till date 19 naxals have surrendered. Let us come to the main stream.”

During the meeting DGP Abhay lauded the efforts of the DIG Southern Range Satyabrata Bhoi and Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Vinit Agarwal in tackling the maoist menace in the district. Director Intelligence R K Sharma, IGP Operations Amitabh Thakur, DIGP SIW Anirudh Singh and DIGP Intelligence Anup Sahoo were also present during the meeting.

Basing on specific information regarding movement of armed CPI (Maoist) cadres in the forest area near villages Nakudipada, Salaguda, Janagada and Sopeli under Tumudibandha PS of Kandhamal district, an operation was launched on 22nd July with the SOG and DVF parties.

Yesterday at about 5 PM, the operational team came face to face with the armed CPI (Maoist) cadres. Suddenly the Maoists started heavy firing at the Police party from automatic weapons, which led to exchange of fire between the Police party and the Maoists. After the firing stopped, the area was searched during which dead bodies of Two CPI (Maoist) cadres (One male and one female) in uniform along with one INSAS rifle, one Carbine, two country made weapons and other articles were recovered from the spot.

Five hardcore CPI (Maoist) cadres died in exchanges of fire in the same PS area of Kandhamal district in the first week of this month. These back to back spectacular achievements of Odisha Police will certainly have a very debilitating impact on CPI (Maoist) organization operating in the are and simultaneously boost the developmental activities in the district.