**Odisha Declares Kalahandi, Nuapada Districts ‘Naxal-Free’ Marking Significant Advance Against Extremism**
**Bhubaneswar, Odisha** – In a landmark development for regional security and stability, the Odisha Police has officially declared two more districts, Kalahandi and Nuapada, to be ‘Naxal-free’. This significant announcement underscores the state’s sustained efforts and strategic successes in combating Left Wing Extremism (LWE), bringing a renewed sense of hope and progress to previously affected areas.
The declaration was made by senior police officials in Bhubaneswar, highlighting the systematic dismantling of Naxal infrastructure and the establishment of robust state presence in these historically challenged regions. The move signifies not just the absence of major extremist incidents but a comprehensive shift in the security landscape, enabling greater focus on development and public welfare.
Both Kalahandi and Nuapada, situated in western Odisha, have long grappled with the menace of Naxal activities, which hindered socio-economic development and often disrupted the lives of tribal and marginalized communities. For decades, pockets within these districts, particularly remote and forested areas, were considered strongholds or transit routes for various Naxal factions. The present declaration is the culmination of years of integrated security operations, intelligence-led interventions, and concerted developmental outreach.
Odisha Police’s strategy has been multi-pronged, blending assertive security actions with proactive community engagement. Key elements of this approach include:
* **Targeted Operations:** Persistent intelligence-driven operations to track, neutralize, and apprehend Naxal cadres.
* **Area Domination:** Enhanced deployment of security forces, including the Special Operations Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF), to establish continuous presence in vulnerable zones.
* **Infrastructure Development:** Expedited construction of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and mobile towers to improve connectivity and facilitate governance, thereby reducing the isolation that Naxals often exploited.
* **Welfare Schemes:** Implementation of government welfare schemes and poverty alleviation programs to address the root causes of discontent and draw local populations away from extremist ideologies.
* **Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy:** An attractive surrender policy designed to encourage cadres to lay down arms and reintegrate into mainstream society, providing them with livelihood opportunities and social support.
Senior police officials emphasized that the ‘Naxal-free’ status is not merely a symbolic gesture but a reflection of verifiable improvements on the ground. It means that organized Naxal camps have been dismantled, recruitment has significantly declined, and the ability of extremist groups to carry out large-scale violence or extortions has been severely curtailed.
This achievement adds to Odisha’s growing list of districts that have successfully shed the tag of LWE affected. Over the past few years, through consistent efforts, several other districts have also seen a drastic reduction in Naxal influence, paving the way for peace and progress. The state administration remains committed to maintaining constant vigilance to prevent any resurgence of extremism and to ensure the long-term sustainability of peace.
For the residents of Kalahandi and Nuapada, this declaration opens new avenues. It promises improved access to government services, enhanced security for daily life, and greater opportunities for economic growth, education, and healthcare. Local communities, once caught between the state and the extremists, can now look forward to a future free from fear and intimidation.
While celebrating this significant milestone, authorities also acknowledge that the battle against LWE is ongoing in other parts of the state, particularly along the inter-state borders. The success in Kalahandi and Nuapada is expected to serve as a blueprint and motivation for similar focused efforts in the remaining affected pockets.
The Odisha Police reaffirms its unwavering resolve to secure a completely Naxal-free state, ensuring that peace and development reach every citizen. This latest declaration by the Odisha Police is a testament to dedicated law enforcement, strategic planning, and the unwavering support of the state government and local communities, as reported by Omni 360 News.
