Odisha Declares End of Maoist Threat, Surrender Window Closes

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has announced that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is no longer a significant threat in the state, marking a major milestone in its anti-Maoist operations. The declaration comes as the surrender window for Maoists officially closed on March 31.

Additional Director General (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sanjeeb Panda stated that only a small number of Maoists remain active in Kandhamal district, and security forces will now concentrate on completely eliminating their presence.

Highlighting the success of sustained efforts, Panda credited the coordinated action of security forces, the state government, and strong public support. He said Maoist influence has been wiped out from eight districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Bolangir, Boudh, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and Kalahandi—and is now limited to a small pocket in Kandhamal.

“Since 2025, we have successfully eliminated Maoist presence from eight districts,” Panda said.

Paying tribute to those who lost their lives in Maoist violence, he dedicated the achievement to 239 security personnel and 359 civilians. “I pay homage to the police martyrs and civilian victims. This success is dedicated to their supreme sacrifice,” he added.

Despite the progress, Panda emphasized that security forces will continue to remain deployed in vulnerable areas for the next two years to prevent any resurgence. During 2025–26, a total of 27 Maoists were neutralised, nine were arrested, and 120 surrendered, reflecting the effectiveness of the state’s counter-insurgency strategy.