With the Union Government deploying more and more Central Paramilitary forces in neighbouring Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, a large number of Maoists are moving in to southern and western districts of Odisha. The situation on the Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand borders is volatile as the Maoists are trying hard to connect their divisions in northern, southern and central Odisha. So, their presence is felt in the districts like Subarnapur, Boudh and Angul. They are reportedly promoting ganja and poppy cultivation in Angul district to generate resources.
The Maoists are trying to connect Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand in a bid to consolidate their position. So, deployment of more Central forces on the borders of Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh is the need of the hour, feel top cops. In Odisha, the situation continues to be challenging in Malkangiri, Koraput and Nuapada districts, Intelligence inputs indicate. And the bordering districts of Kalahandi, Rayagada and Balangir are facing increased Maoist violence.
The present deployment of security forces in Nuapada is inadequate to conduct effective operations and restrict the movement of Maoists, admit top cops. Besides, there is a need to augment the presence of security forces in Malkangiri and Koraput to conduct sustained anti-Maoist operations, they say. The cut-off areas of Malkangiri districts like Mathili, Podia and Ramgiri are the strongholds of the Maoists. With the Gurupriya bridge construction in full swing, it would help the State administration to regain its hold over these areas, feel senior officials. In Koraput district, the Maoists are now trying to revive their access in Bandhugaon and Narayanpatna, which were earlier known as the lalgarh of Odisha.