**Omni 360 News Exclusive**
**Odisha Police Declares Two More Districts Naxal-Free Marking Significant Victory**
**BHUBANESWAR, Odisha** – In a landmark development signaling a profound shift in the battle against Left Wing Extremism (LWE), Odisha Police has officially declared Balangir and Nuapada districts as Naxal-free. The announcement, made by top police brass, underscores the state’s relentless efforts and strategic triumphs in neutralizing the Maoist threat, bringing a long-awaited era of peace and development to these previously insurgency-hit regions.
The declaration follows years of sustained counter-insurgency operations, intelligence-led interventions, and comprehensive community engagement programs. It signifies that organized Naxal activities and their operational capabilities have been effectively dismantled in these two crucial western Odisha districts.
For decades, Balangir and Nuapada bore the brunt of Naxal violence, hindering development, displacing communities, and instilling a pervasive fear among residents. The presence of these extremist groups severely restricted government services, infrastructure projects, and economic opportunities, trapping large populations in a cycle of underdevelopment.
Senior police officials, speaking at a press briefing, attributed this success to a multi-pronged strategy. This included robust intelligence gathering, precision-based tactical operations by specialized units like the Special Operations Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF), and enhanced coordination with central paramilitary forces. A key component of this strategy has been area domination and securing remote forest pockets that historically served as safe havens for Maoist cadres.
“The declaration of Balangir and Nuapada as Naxal-free districts is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Odisha Police and the state government,” a high-ranking police official stated. “It reflects years of sacrifices by our personnel, effective intelligence sharing, and most importantly, the trust and cooperation extended by the local populace. This achievement is not just about reducing violence; it is about restoring the fundamental right to peace and progress for our citizens.”
Beyond direct security interventions, the state’s approach has heavily focused on socio-economic development and rehabilitation. Infrastructural projects, including road construction, establishment of schools and healthcare facilities, and the expansion of communication networks, have played a pivotal role in integrating these remote areas into the mainstream. Furthermore, a humane surrender and rehabilitation policy has encouraged several misguided youths to lay down arms and return to a normal life, further weakening the Naxal movement from within.
The impact of this declaration is expected to be far-reaching. Local administrations in Balangir and Nuapada are now poised to accelerate development initiatives without the constant threat of Maoist interference. This includes attracting investments, promoting tourism, and improving connectivity, which are vital for enhancing the quality of life for residents. Farmers, traders, and daily wage earners, who once operated under duress, can now pursue their livelihoods with greater freedom and security.
While this achievement marks a significant milestone, authorities emphasized that vigilance will remain paramount. The police will continue to maintain a strong presence to prevent any resurgence of extremist activities and ensure that the gains made are consolidated permanently. Efforts will also intensify in the few remaining pockets of influence to ensure a completely Naxal-free Odisha in the near future.
This strategic victory by Odisha Police aligns with the broader national objective of eradicating Left Wing Extremism and paves the way for a more secure and prosperous future for the state’s citizens. The return of normalcy to Balangir and Nuapada stands as a powerful narrative of resilience and successful governance.
