Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Rourkela, Nov 22:

Odisha Police DG Kunwar Brajesh Singh today claimed that a large number of Maoists have infiltrated into the state because of heightened security in neighboring Jharkhand.

Police DG Kunwar Brajesh Singh

“There are currently 11 districts affected by Maoist menace in the state. Due to panchayat elections in Jharkhand, a large number of cadre Maoists have infiltrated into Odisha. We have successfully checked them. Two Maoists have been killed in these operations. It is a very good sign that the Maoist activities have reduced everywhere,” said DG KB Singh while speaking to reporters after a review meeting in Rourkela today.

He lauded his force for its success in the ongoing anti-Maoist operations and highlighted on a twofold strategy to contain it.

“Our approach is twofold. First is to keep the police operations on and second is to take up maximum local area development. We have also reviewed the prosecution of crime. We are trying to improve the conviction rate and law and order situation. There are a large number of vacancies due to court orders and litigation. We are sorting them out. I am hopeful that in another one or two month, these problems would be sorted out and we would be able to recruit,” he added.

Notably, two Maoists were killed in a gun battle with joint security forces in combing operations in Chandiposh forest near Rourkela on November 11 and 12.

It may also be noted SOG (Special Operations Group) commandos today seized a large amount of explosives from Tekaguda forest in Odisha’s Malkangiri district during a combing operation. However, Maoist leader Uday managed to escape. The search operation is still going on.

Besides, four female Maoists were today killed in a face-off with security personnel in Sukma district of neighboring Chhattisgarh. The incident took place during a combing operation by joint forces of DRG (District Reserve Group), STF (Special Task Force) and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) in Sukma and Dantewada forests.