DGP Rajendra Prasad Sharma on Friday took stock of the Maoist challenges in the State and the measures needed to combat it at the DGP’s Camp Office in Bhubaneswar with senior BSF and CRPF officials.
In the meeting, the present Maoist scenario and wide range of other issues relating to operational strategies and infrastructure related issues were discussed. The meeting appreciated the combined efforts of the State forces and the Central forces in combating the Maoist menace in which 39 Red rebels were neutralised, 50 cadres and militias were arrested and 53 surrendered during the period 2016 -2017 (till August 31,2017).
It was decided to further intensify the anti- Maoist operations in the affected areas, particularly in the inter-State border areas, with coordinated efforts and synergy between the State police forces and Central forces. It was also decided that the Central Government will be requested to provide two additional battalions of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to the State at the earliest.
Earlier, the Maoist situation in Rayagada, Koraput, Nabrangpur and Malkangiri districts was reviewed on Thursday by BSF IG (Operations) Vikash Chandra at Koraput.
The presence of Red rebels mainly in Malkangiri district is a matter of concern. It needs coordinated endeavour on part of the BSF, police and civil administration to curb the red terror in the area, said Chandra taking stock of BSF deployment, operations and related issues.
After the meeting the BSG IG along with senior officers visited COBs like Podhapadar under the Narayanpatna police station. He interacted with Commanders and troops there and encouraged them to put their best in combating Maoists.
The visiting officers also interacted with media and briefed about the good job done by BSF in Odisha. Where ever BSF is deployed Maoists have retracted to interior areas and was able to win confidence of the public, he added while highlighting developmental activities in interior areas that were carried out in presence of BSF personnel.
The BSF IG said operations will be intensified against Red rebels in coordination with the State police.
Narayanpatna had become a peaceful area due to continuous efforts of BSF and district police. BSF’s contribution was well recognised at every level. He stressed on adding human values to the ongoing operations to win the hearts of people.