Bhubaneswar: In a breakthrough in anti-Naxal operations, Odisha Police has declared Bolangir and Bargarh as Naxal-free districts.
Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania made the announcement, calling it a historic milestone in the State’s sustained fight against Left-wing extremism.
The declaration comes after 15 Maoists laid down their arms in neighbouring Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, which borders Bargarh. The surrendered cadres were active in the Bargarh–Bolangir–Mahasamund division and have now joined the mainstream of society.
With this development, both the Bolangir and Bargarh districts are officially free of Naxal activities, the State Police Headquarters said in a press release.
The DGP said the achievement was the result of prolonged joint operations backed by precise intelligence inputs. Coordinated efforts of Central and State security forces, along with strong cooperation from residents, played a key role in eliminating Naxal presence in the two districts.
He credited the success to the courage, restraint, and unwavering commitment of the police force. Khurania congratulated all officers and personnel involved in the operations and thanked the public for their continued trust and support.
He also said intensified operations would continue in other affected areas to ensure the complete eradication of the Naxal problem in the State at the earliest.
