Odisha CM asks SPs, DCs to ensure rehab of surrendered Maoists

Bhubaneswar: Expressing satisfaction over the decline in left-wing extremism (LWE) violence in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today asked the Superintendents of Police and District Collectors to ensure proper rehabilitation of Maoists returning to mainstream.

Patnaik was addressing the joint conference of collectors, SPs and DIGs on the concluding session of the two-day Collectors Conference here.

"There has been a decline in the LWE violence since 2015-16. The district authorities and the police should give priority to rehabilitate the surrendered ultras," the chief minister said.

Patnaik also asked the collectors and SPs to give priority to the cases related to women and children besides keeping a track on the activities of the chitfund companies which allegedly duped poor investors.

The chief minister directed SPs to take strong action against the companies found cheating the people.

This apart, Patnaik asked the district authorities to expedite setting up of Commissionerate of police system in Rourkela, Berhampur and Sambalpur.

He also suggested the collectors and SPs to hold joint meetings to address the grievances of the people.