Maoist menace under control in Odisha: CRPF DG

Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Prakash Mishra Monday said the Maoist activities have come down in Odisha significantly and the situation is under control to a great extent in southern Odisha.

"The situation has improved in the state. However, we have to be vigilant ... Now, we will have to take steps on civic action programmes in the Maoist affected areas to combat left wing extremism and to bridge the gap between villagers and security personnel," Mishra told media persons after reviewing the anti-Maoist operation in southern districts of Odisha.

Mishra, on his first visit to Odisha after taking over as CRPF DG reviewed the anti Maoist operations with top CRPF and Odisha police officials at the premises of the CRPF 8th battalion at Chandrapur in Rayagada district.

He said the CRPF will focus on Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, where the violence of left wing extremism is still a concern.

"If required, more forces will be deployed. We are discussing strategies to combat the Maoists in the two states. The present strategies would be changed to fight the extremists," he said.

"We have received definite intelligence inputs about Maoists training camps where cadres are being trained on how to down helicopters engaged in rescue and other operations in the areas. We are taking steps to foil their plans and ensure zero casualty on our side," Mishra said.