The Border Security Force, which has been deployed in Odisha’s Malkangiri and Koraput districts, has asserted that the region is now free from the clutches of the Maoists. The area was once considered a Maoist bastion.

After visiting Malkangiri district, particularly the Swabhiman Anchal, considered to be a Maoist hot bed, for two days Inspector General BSF Satish Chandra Budakoti told reporters at Malkangiri on Thursday: “The Swabhiman Anchal which used to be a liberated zone of Maoists has almost been sanitised. With the support of Odisha police, we fought and the Maoists fled away from the area.”

He also appreciated the Odisha government’s surrender policy, which has motivated the Maoists to lay down their arms and surrender. “We ensure that developmental work takes place in the area. Now the roads, bridges, schools and health facilities have changed the ground situation. New mobile towers are now installed in interior areas with support and cooperation of the BSF,” said Satish Chandra.

The BSF maintained that agricultural lands used for forceful ganja cultivation are now being used for cultivating other crops. Vehicles, including government transport, are plying uninterrupted day and night.

The BSF has deployed four battalions each in Malkangiri and its adjoining district Koraput.

“During the eleven years of deployment in Odisha, the BSF has not only sanitised the Maoist affected districts but also made a remarkable achievement in terms of killing, arrest and surrender of Maoists, seizure of arms, ammunition, explosive materials, communication equipment and contraband items,” the BSF IG said.

However, the BSF claims that it has paid a heavy price to bring normalcy in the worst Maoists hit districts of Odisha. A number of troops have been injured and 14 gallant BSF personnel including some officers have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty while dealing with LWE (Left Wing Extremism).

“We have been able to win the confidence and support of the local populace wherever we were deployed. Our civic action programmes have been a great success. Even Covid-19 pandemic could not deter our spirit in achieving our objective. Winning the hearts and minds of local people has always remained our priority area,” Chandra said.

IG BSF Satish Chandra Budakoti addresses a press conference at Malkangiri on Thursday.