Bhubaneswar: The Maoist insurgency is in its terminal phase in the state, Odisha DGP Y B Khurania asserted on Friday while informing about an ongoing operation in Kandhamal.
“We are hopeful of eradicating Left-Wing Extremism within the March 31 deadline. The Maoists are left with two options – shun violence and lay down arms under the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy or face resolute and decisive action. Our Special Operations Group and other security forces are fully prepared and determined to pursue them relentlessly,” he told reporters.
A joint counter-insurgency operation led by Odisha police began on Thursday in Daringbadi and Raikia region, where Sukru, the state’s top Maoist leader and a key impediment to eradicating LWE in the state, is suspected to have holed up with his team. This following the exhumation of the decomposed body of a junior Maoist commander, Anwesh alias Renu, from Pakiri reserve forest under Daringbadi police limits recently.
According to police, Sukru, the 49-year-old wanted Maoist, allegedly killed 31-year-old Anvesh, a divisional committee member (DVCM) and military platoon commander of the KKBN (Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh) Division of Maoists on January 29, following a difference of opinion over the latter’s plan to surrender along with his entire 12-member team, a move that would have severely weakened the already dwindling LWE movement in Odisha, now reduced to fewer than 30 active members.
Also Read: Odisha Intensifies Hunt For Last Maoist Leader Sukru As March 31 Deadline Draws Near
The Odisha police are looking to capitalise on the growing fissures within the Maoist outfit, with a significant number of cadres reportedly inclined to surrender in order to access government benefits, in contrast to those who fiercely resist the idea. Special mobile numbers were also circulated in the forested area appealing to Maoists to surrender.
Sukru, who hails from Malkangiri’s Kalimela, is possibly the last major Maoist leader from the state. He has been part of the insurgency for three decades and carries a bounty of Rs 55 lakh.
