With the Maoists gunning down innocent tribals and General Elections approaching fast, the Unified Command has stressed on an effective deployment and movement of security forces in the Red corridors in the State.
Similar emphasis has been given on improvement of roads and bridges in the Maoist zones.
Chief Secretary JK Mohapatra chaired a meeting of the Unified Command meet held at the State Intelligence Bureau Complex here on Monday, where thrust was given on development measures and deployment of forces keeping in view the General Elections so that the polls can be conducted in a peaceful and fear-free manner, said sources.
DGP Prakash Mishra, ACS Finance UN Behera, Principal Secretary Home VK Saxena, Director Intelligence Sunil Roy, IG Operations SK Priyadarshi, DIG SIW, DS Kuttey, IG CRPF and IG BSF also attended the meeting.
While 2013 turned out to be the worst period for the Maoists as 23 of them were eliminated by security forces while only seven security personnel were martyred. However, being frustrated, the Maoists are now killing tribals in Malkangiri, Koraput and other districts. During 2013, the ultras killed as many as 22 civilians.
Keeping this situation in view, the Chief Secretary stressed on faster development in these areas, especially improvement of road connectivity. It was decided at the meeting that the Chief Secretary would hold a separate review meeting on road connectivity and development initiatives to be undertaken in the areas.
More than 1,000 kilometer of roads in the Maoist zones are affected badly as earlier less thrust has been given on development of infrastructure in these areas.
In the meantime, the Department of Works (DoW) has issued tender for the much-needed Gurupriya bridge, which will be connecting Odisha with Andhra Pradesh. This 910-meter long bridge will come up at a cost of `42 crore at Janbai on the Malkangiri-Papermetla Road in Malkangiri district.
With the fear of the Maoists, contractors were not showing interest to participate in the tender, though it was floated several times. However, with changed circumstances, contractors are now willing to construct the huge bridge, which would work as the lifeline for the Maoist regions.