Sanjeeb Panda, the Additional Director General of anti-Naxal operations in Odisha, announced on Tuesday that state police and security forces have made substantial progress in combating Left-wing extremism in the region.
In an interview with ANI, Panda praised the coordinated efforts of the Special Operations Group (SOG), Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, and the intelligence wing for their commitment to the cause. He highlighted that in the year 2025-26, security forces neutralized 27 Naxals, with 17 of those in Gariaband. Furthermore, 78 Naxals surrendered to Odisha Police, while 42 laid down their arms in neighboring Chhattisgarh.
“Odisha Police has been highly successful in removing the Naxal threat from the state. I congratulate SOG, CRPF, BSF, and our intelligence wing for their hard work and dedication. In 2025-26, the security forces neutralized 27 Naxals, including 17 in Gariaband. Additionally, 78 Naxals surrendered to Odisha Police, and 42 surrendered in Chhattisgarh. Eight districts in the state have been declared Naxal-free. Over the past 15 months, we have eliminated 156 Naxals from our ecosystem in the state,” stated Panda.
He also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his guidance and support, noting that 239 security personnel have lost their lives in this ongoing battle against Naxalism. “Currently, there are only a few Naxals left in the Kandhamal district,” he added.
This announcement follows remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who on Monday acknowledged the central government’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to eliminate Naxalism from the country, labeling the Left-wing ideology as the “root cause of Red Terror.”
During a discussion in the Lok Sabha under Rule 193 regarding the initiatives to eradicate Naxalism, Amit Shah mentioned that Left-wing extremists and their supporters had misled innocent tribal communities into believing they were fighting for their rights and justice.
He noted that Naxalism has been nearly eradicated from Bastar, with initiatives underway to establish schools and ration shops in every village in the area.
The “Naxal Mukt Bharat” (Naxal-free India) mission is a strategic goal set by the Union Home Ministry under the Modi administration, aiming to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 31, 2026.
