ADG (anti-Naxal operations) Sanjeeb Panda speaks to Debabrata Mohapatra on how Odisha police’s operations, including surrenders and encounters, completely weakened the insurgency in the state. Excerpts:How did Odisha police align its operations with the Centre’s deadline to eliminate left-wing extremism by March 31? Odisha police synchronized its operations with the Union home ministry’s timeline, intensifying joint operations with CRPF, BSF and specialized state units like the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the district voluntary force (DVF). The special intelligence wing also played a key role in developing accurate Naxal-related intelligence. Use of advanced surveillance tools — drones, and satellite imagery — was scaled up to locate and neutralize Maoist leadership.With the Centre’s deadline approaching, do you believe complete elimination is achievable in Odisha? Large-scale operations, including surrenders and encounters have completely weakened the insurgency. Since Jan, we have declared Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Koraput, Boudh, Balangir and Bargarh districts as free from Naxal influence. The number of active Maoists has come down to single digit after the recent surrender of their leaders like Sukru, with Maoist presence now reduced to a few pockets in Kandhamal district only. Hence complete elimination is within the reach.What specific strategies have proven most effective in reducing extremist activity in the state? The state govt’s surrender and rehabilitation policy that was revised in Nov last year played a crucial role. Intelligence-based targetted strikes were carried out where we coordinated raids on leadership hideouts. We also cracked down on illegal trade networks, mostly ganja cultivation that reportedly funded extremist groups.What are the rehabilitation plans? State govt offers financial assistance and vocational training to surrendered cadres. Counselling and education programmes help reintegrate them into mainstream society.How do you ensure surrendered Maoists don’t return to extremist activities? We continuously monitor the activities of the surrendered Naxals. We also facilitate community-based support systems to reduce their isolation. Incentives have been tied to compliance with rehabilitation programmes. Areas that were once affected by LWE activities are under strict vigilance to prevent relapse.What role do community engagement and development initiatives play in encouraging surrenders? The state govt’s development initiatives — roads, schools, healthcare — undermine extremist propaganda. Trust-building through police-community dialogues encourages voluntary surrenders.
