Odisha to seek two more battalions of central armed forces to tackle Maoist activities

BHUBANESWAR: Despite the claim of improvement in leftwing extremism (LWE) situation, the state government would seek two more battalions of central armed forces to tackle the Maoist situation in Odisha.
It was decided in the unified command meeting held here under the chairmanship of chief secretary A P Padhi. “We would request the state government to seek two more battalions of any central armed forces like Boarder Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force, Sashastra Seema Bal and Indo Tibetan Border Police,” said a senior police officer requesting anonymity.
Currently the Centre has deployed total 17 battalions of central armed police forces including eight each battalions of CRPF and Boarder Security Force and one battalion of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA), a specialized unit of the CRPF in the state to tackle the LWE situation.The state government deployed state police and district voluntary force besides deputation of central forces.
Though details of the meeting were kept under wrap, sources said the state government along with top officers of BSF, CRPF and intelligence bureau chalked action plan to deal with the situation.
“It was discussed to have coordination between forces deployed in two adjoining states as Maoists shift their base to neighboring states when there was operation from one side. Besides, emphasis was also laid on timely sharing of intelligence inputs, coordination between state and central forces and strategies to win confidence of local people in LWE areas,” the top cop said.
Since the LWE situation is still challenging in districts like Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Balangir, Nayagarh, Rourkela and Bargarh, more forces are likely to be deployed in these districts.
The situation, however, improved in districts like Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Myurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangapur, Sambalpur, Deogarh and Sundargarh.
In 2015, total 72 LWE related incidents were reported in the state involving death of 26 civilians, four security personnel and nine hardcore LWE cadres.
During the period, total 53 LWE cadres were arrested and 255 weapons and 168 improvised explosive devices and large quantity of explosives were recovered. Total 64 LWE cadres/militias surrendered in the state in 2015.
The state government also emphasized on strengthening on basic infrastructure like construction of road, school and health care institutions in LWE-hit districts. The chief secretary also directed to expedite construction of Gurupriya bridge that would connect around 150 villages in cut-off areas of Malkangiri district.