Anti-Maoist operations to be stepped up across Odisha: DGP

Rourkela: Noting the rise in Naxal infiltration due to tightened security in neighbouring Jharkhand, Odisha DGP K B Singh today said anti-Maoist operations will be stepped-up across the state.

In the wake of stepped-up security for panchayat elections in Jharkhand, a large number of Maoists have sneaked into Odisha but their inflow has been successfully checked, Singh told reporters after reviewing the situation here.

Stating that two Maoists have been killed in recent operations in Sundargarh district bordering Jharkhand, the DGP said Maoist activities have been contained to a great exent.

Congratulating police officers and personnel for recent successes in anti-Naxal operations, Singh said “we have achieved remarkable success in recent times.”

Stating that the police adopted a two-fold strategy in the battle against Maoists, the police chief said besides intensifying anti-Naxal operations, attention is also being given to local area development.

Steps are also being taken to improve the conviction rate and law and order situation, he said, adding there are a large number of vacancies becasue of litigation and efforts are on to sort them out.

Singh expressed the hope that in a month or two, problems relating to filling vacancies would be settled and recruitment would be possible.