Koraput declared Maoist-free after three decades of insurgency
By Sarat Nayak
Laxmipur, Feb. 7: After over three decades of Maoist insurgency marked by violence, fear and stalled development, Odisha’s Koraput district has finally been declared Maoist-free by the government.
Once a stronghold of Left-wing extremism, undivided Koraput had witnessed repeated attacks by Maoist groups, including police station blasts, landmine explosions, abductions of public representatives and multiple killings. The persistent insurgency had severely hampered development activities in the remote tribal belt.
Officials said Maoist activities in the district had been steadily declining over the past five years. Union home minister Amit Shah had earlier announced a nationwide plan to eliminate Maoist influence by 2026, following which intensified joint operations were carried out in border regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Several top Maoist leaders were neutralised, while many cadres surrendered and joined the mainstream under rehabilitation schemes.
Security forces, including central paramilitary units, Odisha’s Special Operations Group (SOG) and elite anti-Naxal squads, conducted sustained operations in the dense forest areas. Authorities also coupled security measures with financial assistance and rehabilitation packages aimed at encouraging surrenders.
Historically, Maoist groups exploited grievances related to underdevelopment and alleged corruption in the tribal-dominated undivided Koraput region. Over the years, they targeted police infrastructure, destroyed communication networks, blocked roads, and disrupted development projects. Numerous civilians and security personnel lost their lives in landmine blasts and attacks.
Some of the most significant incidents included coordinated attacks on multiple police stations in February 2004, the 2009 landmine blast that killed nine security personnel, and the 2010 attack at Damanjodi hilltop in which 10 CISF jawans were killed. In 2012, the abduction of then BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka had drawn national attention and put the state administration under immense pressure.
Following intensified anti-insurgency operations after 2020, several senior Maoist leaders were killed, large caches of explosives were seized, and many cadres surrendered. On Thursday, after the surrender of a woman Maoist cadre, the government formally declared Koraput a Maoist-free district.
The announcement marks the end of a long chapter of insurgency in the region. However, officials caution that sustained vigilance and continued development efforts will be crucial to ensure peace remains permanent.
