Odisha police’s final push to bring CPI (Maoist) insurgency to end

Security forces in Odisha have intensified their final efforts to either eliminate the remaining cadres or force them to surrender by launching hot pursuit of State Committee Member Krishna alias Shukri, who leads the last small group of CPI (Maoist) operatives in the state.

For the last three days, security forces, including Odisha Police Special Operations Group (SOG), have been combing the Kandhamal area following actionable intelligence on Shukri’s presence.

“Sukru, who carries a bounty of ₹ 65 lakh on his head, has become increasingly desperate to keep his flock together due to mounting pressure on the cadres to surrender. In fact, more than 50 cadres, including State Committee Members, have laid down their arms since November last year,” said a senior police officer.

Recently, deputy platoon commander Jagesh and party member Ratna were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kandhamal.

The surrendered cadres also revealed details of the organizational weaknesses of the CPI (Maoist). Security forces, in line with the special information they received, removed the body of Şükrü’s assistant and military platoon commander Anwesh from a shallow grave. A bounty of 37.50 lakh has been placed on Anwesh’s head.

“Anwesh had decided to sever his ties with the Left Wing Extremists. When Sukru came to know about his intention, he eliminated him and buried his body,” the officer said.

According to police sources, Şükrü is currently leading a small group of about 25 armed cadres who are trying to find an escape route.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio, recently informed the State Assembly that Odisha currently has around 40 active Maoist cadres. At one point, the number rose to almost 800, led by prominent leaders from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha. More than half of the state’s 30 districts were once under the influence of the Far Left. Its activities are now largely confined to the Kandhamal district and surrounding areas. (EOM)