**Odisha Scores Major Victory: Bargarh and Nuapada Declared Naxal-Free**
**BHUBANESWAR** – In a significant boost to peace and development efforts, the Odisha Police has officially declared Bargarh and Nuapada districts to be Naxal-free zones. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in the state’s long-standing campaign against Left Wing Extremism (LWE), signaling a new chapter for these previously affected regions.
The declaration, made by senior police officials today, reflects years of sustained counter-insurgency operations, strategic community engagement, and a concerted push for socio-economic development. It underscores the multi-pronged approach adopted by the state government and security forces to curb the menace of Naxalism that has historically plagued parts of Odisha.
Director General of Police, Mr. Sunil Bansal, addressed the media, stating, “This is a monumental achievement for the Odisha Police and the people of Bargarh and Nuapada. The removal of the Naxal-affected tag is a testament to the unwavering courage of our forces, the meticulous intelligence gathering, and most importantly, the profound cooperation from the local communities who chose peace and progress over violence.” He further emphasized that this success was not merely about tactical victories but about winning the hearts and minds of the populace.
For decades, districts like Bargarh and Nuapada, characterized by their dense forests, challenging terrains, and tribal populations, provided fertile ground for Naxal activities. The presence of armed Maoist groups stifled development, instilled fear among residents, and created significant hurdles for government services to reach remote villages. Infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, and health centers, often faced threats and destruction, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment.
The strategy employed by the Odisha Police involved a comprehensive mix of targeted operations by elite forces like the Special Operation Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF), alongside robust civic action programs. These programs focused on improving basic amenities, generating employment opportunities, and integrating disillusioned youth into the mainstream. The state’s progressive surrender and rehabilitation policy also played a crucial role, encouraging many cadres to lay down arms and embrace a normal life.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has consistently reiterated his government’s commitment to making Odisha entirely free of Naxal influence. In a statement released shortly after the declaration, the Chief Minister applauded the efforts of the police and administration, adding, “Our vision for a Naxal-free Odisha is driven by twin engines: resolute action against extremism and accelerated development for our tribal and rural areas. The success in Bargarh and Nuapada demonstrates that this strategy is yielding tangible results for our citizens.”
Sources within the security establishment reveal that intensified patrolling, establishment of new Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), and advanced surveillance technologies contributed significantly to disrupting Naxal supply lines and communication networks. Furthermore, enhanced coordination with neighboring states was instrumental in curbing cross-border movement of insurgents.
The Naxal-free status is expected to usher in a new era of accelerated development in Bargarh and Nuapada. Local residents, who have long endured hardship, expressed relief and optimism. “Now our children can go to school without fear, and we can access markets and healthcare more easily,” remarked a village elder from Nuapada, reflecting the sentiments of many.
This success follows similar declarations in other districts of Odisha over the past years, including Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Gajapati, Ganjam, Deogarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khordha, Puri, Sambalpur, Sonepur, and Sundargarh. The state has been systematically reducing the footprint of LWE, moving from a large number of affected districts to a more contained few.
While Bargarh and Nuapada now shed the ‘Naxal-affected’ tag, challenges remain in some core areas, particularly in districts bordering other states. The Odisha Police and administration continue to remain vigilant, emphasizing that efforts to maintain peace and prevent any resurgence of extremist activities will be ongoing. This significant stride highlights Odisha’s unwavering resolve in its journey towards complete peace and inclusive growth.
**Omni 360 News** will continue to provide comprehensive coverage on the state’s progress in ensuring security and development across all its regions.
