Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday complimented the State police for achieving ‘zero casualties’ in 2014 while dealing with leftwing extreme violence. On the other hand, at least six Maoists died in the State in the year during exchange of fire between police and extremists.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the two-day annual Senior Police Officers’ Conference here, Patnaik said Maoist activities last year were brought under control except in the districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Balangir and Baragarh.
“These districts should be in our focus. All possible steps should be taken to counter the leftwing extremist activities in these areas,” Patnaik said, adding that there has been a progressive improvement in the overall Maoist scenario with respect to frequencies of violence, organisational activities, recruitment and mass mobilising by the extremists.
The Chief Minister also complimented the police for maintaining peaceful law and order in 2014 which saw the elections for lok Sabha and Assembly. He too praised the police for deftly handling the communal disorders throughout last year.
Patnaik, however, cautioned the force to take care of the challenges ahead. “The Nabakalebar festival (at Puri) in 2015 is one such occasion where the police are required to play a major role,” he said.
Chief Secretary GC Pati, who also accompanied the Chief Minister, too emphasised that the police force would play a vital role in maintaining law and order and manage the Puri traffic during the Nabakalebar in July this year.