New Delhi: As the security forces are putting pressure on the Maoists in Chhattisgarh, there is all possibility that the Left-wing Extremists (LEWs) may enter into neighbouring State.
Apprehending this the Odisha chief minister Mohan Majhi urged the Centre to reinforce the security in the State.
Three days back security forces neutralised as many as 30 CPI (Maoist) cadres in a major operation in Chhattisgarh- Odisha border.
“With large scale induction of Security Forces, anti-Naxal operations are picking up, in Chhattisgarh. In such a situation, there is reasonable apprehension of possible movement of LWE cadres, from Chhattisgarh to Odisha, and their possible relocation inside Odisha,” said the CM.
The CM urged the union home minister Amit Saha not to withdraw the Central security forces from the State for the time being and provide a helicopter for movement of forces in anti-naxal operations.
He was speaking at the meeting convened by the union home minister on LWE, here on Tuesday.
“To check infiltration from Chhattisgarh, and to augment intelligence-based operations, I request you, not to withdraw the Central Forces for now. Besides, send at least 12 Coys of CAPF for a period of 2 years, to be deployed in LWE affected areas, to prevent infiltration, and eradicate LWE from Odisha, in a time bound manner.
“Uninterrupted Helicopter service, is a critical requirement, for the security forces and movement of troops, maintenance of forward posts, and to respond to the exigencies, in the LWE theatre of conflict. A dedicated helicopter, may please be provided to the State,” urged Majhi.
“With concerted efforts, and in coordination with the Central and State security forces, the LWE activities have been restricted, to a significant extent, and the incidents of violence have been minimized. Influence of CPI (Maoist) is now confined to sporadic pockets of ten district in the State. However, despite sustained and aggressive operations, Naxals have shown considerable resilience, and they continue to hold ground in Kandhmal -Boudh-Kalahandi districts. The Kandhmal-Boudh-Kalahandi axis is now in our focus. All concerned agencies, including State Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, Intelligence Bureau, State Intelligence Unit and Special Task Force (STF), are operating in seamless synergy to flush out Maoists from this axis.”
The CM said, “Developmental machinery, has also been energized, in this axis. This is being taken further, by taking the community into confidence, through developmental activities. In some difficult and inaccessible pockets in Kandhamal district, medicines are being distributed, through drones. Super specialist doctors are deputed to different areas, for providing improved healthcare, to the people. Also, initiatives for skill development, and women empowerment activities, are paying rich dividends.
Stating that a list of 127 vital roads in LWE affected areas, has been submitted, to the government of India, vide State Home Department letter No. 902/C, dated 6th July 2024, the CM said these road projects be may considered, at the earliest.
