Odisha to Further Strengthen Intelligence Gathering Mechanism, Set up 11 New Camps to Combat Maoist Menace

Bhubaneswar: Odisha will further strengthen the intelligence gathering mechanism and set up 11 new camps in remote areas to combat Maoist menace.

The State Police will also intensify the anti-LWE operations in the affected areas with special focus on Boudh.

It has been emphasized at the Strategy Conference on Left Wing Extremism held today at Police Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.

Inaugurating the conference, DGP Sunil Kumar Bansal appreciated the efforts by District Police, SIW, SOG and Central Armed Police Forces for their combined efforts in bringing about remarkable improvement in LWE situation in the State. He thanked various Departments of the Government for extending unflinching support in the fight against the Maoist menace. He stated that the major focus is now on Kandhamal – Kalahandi and Boudh axis, which has emerged as the new flash point of Maoist activities. He hoped that combined efforts by all the stakeholders will have a decisive advantage in the fight against the Maoists.

The Conference was attended by Director, Intelligence, ADGP, Operations, IGP, C.I.D, Crime Branch, IGsP NR, Sambalpur, SR, Berhampur, IGP, B.S.F., DIGP, Intelligence, DIGP, SIW, DIGsP, WR, Rourkela, SWR, Koraput, DIG, CRPF, District Ss.P of Rayagada, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Boudh, Bolangir, Baragarh, Keonjhar, Rourkela and Nabarangpur attended the conference. IGP (Provisioning) also attended the Conference.

A wide range of issues relating to the LWE problem in the State and way forward to combat the menace were discussed in this Conference.

Director, Intelligence, stated that the aim of this Conference was to re-visit the strategy and response to combat the problem in a more effective manner. He also emphasised that Security Forces must have proactive approach against the Maoists in South-Central Odisha i.e. Kandhamal – Boudh. He appreciated Ss.P of Koraput and Malkangiri for showing great leadership in bringing down naxal incidents to nil in last one and half year. He stated that Maoists may try to carry out demonstrative acts of violence in the run up to the General Elections – 2024 to make their presence felt and boost the morale of the rank and file and hence, Security Forces must be watchful to this.

The establishment of 11 new CRPF / BSF camps in remote areas was discussed in detail. Besides, modernization of Police, infrastructure, building, logistic, etc were also discussed at the Conference.

It was decided to deploy high tech drones in Naxal operations.