Bolangir, Bargarh declared Maoist-free after 15 cadres surrender in Chhattisgarh

Odisha achieved a significant breakthrough in its anti-Naxal operations as Bolangir and Bargarh districts were declared Maoist-free following the surrender of 15 cadres in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

DGP Y. B. Khurania on Sunday announced that the two western Odisha districts have been freed from Maoist activities after members of the Bargarh–Bolangir–Mahasamund (BBM) division laid down arms in Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh and joined the mainstream.

Declaration After Surrender

According to the DGP, the 15 Maoists who surrendered were active in the Bargarh–Bolangir–Mahasamund division. Following their surrender, Bolangir and Bargarh were declared completely Naxal-free.

He stated that the development marks a historic success in Odisha’s sustained anti-Naxal campaign. The achievement, he said, was the result of prolonged joint operations by security forces, sustained intelligence gathering, coordinated efforts by central and state forces, and active cooperation from local residents.

Sustained Operations And Future Plan

The DGP further informed that similar operations would be intensified in other Maoist-affected areas of the state in the coming days. Steps would be taken to ensure a complete resolution of the Naxal issue at the earliest, he added.

Northern Range Police IG Himanshu Lal said, “The search and combing operation has been intensified. When they realised that they would not survive this, they decided that they would surrender. They are most welcome to surrender, and further steps will be taken as per the rules. Wherever they will surrender, they will be welcomed.”

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Security agencies indicated that continued surveillance and operations would remain in place to prevent any resurgence of Maoist activity in the region.