Odisha to replicate Swabhiman model in southern districts to counter Maoists

Bhubaneswar:  Development will now be a weapon to tackle the Maoists and the State government is keen to replicate the ‘Swabhiman region’ development model in southern Odisha to tackle Naxalites.

Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy, while reviewing preparations for a meeting on anti-naxal operations called by the central government, informed today that Maoist activity in number of districts has dropped considerably.

“Out of 15 districts, left wing extremism is now limited to five districts and we are hopeful to get more success owing to the strategy which we have prepared,” said Tripathy.

DGP BK Sharma further stated that “There has been improvement in Naxal situation and we are prepared to tackle it. At the upcoming meeting in New Delhi, Odisha will present its demands for resources required for tackling Maoists.”