Bhubaneswar: 30 Nov 2025( Pratyusha bureau ) BSF Committed to eradicate Naxalism from Odisha by March 2026 said BSF High Officials IG SA Srivastava yesterday in a press conference at their Region Headquarter Bhubaneswar.He said thatIn 2010, the BSF was inducted into Odisha with an initial deployment of fiveBattalions in the Naxal-affected districts of Koraput and Malkangiri, at a time whenNaxal violence was at its peak. The Naxals had established parallel governance,with incidents like the 2004 Koraput Police Armoury raid, 2006 Motu Police Postattack, and the 2009 CISF Ambush at Damanjodi reflecting the gravity of thesituation.Since its deployment, the BSF with active support of Odisha Police hasemerged as a game-changer in Odisha’s fight against Naxalism. Operating in someof the most treacherous terrains, high-profile Naxal leaders have been neutralized,recovered arms and explosives and facilitated the surrender of hard-core cadres.The specific achievements of BSF this year include:Recovery of 10 IEDs, 08 Nos Arms, 640 Nos Detonator 02 NosGrenade, 171 Nos Geletine Stick, 148 Nos Live Ammunition and 260gms Explosive.However, during the same period, total Maoists killed in Odisha are 19Maoists Surrendered – 06 and Maoists arrested are 08.One of the most celebrated achievements is transforming the erstwhile Cut-Off Area-once a Naxal stronghold-into Swabhiman Anchal. The GurupriyaBridge, inaugurated in 2018, marked a watershed moment, connecting 151 villagesand benefitting over 31,000 residents. This feat of engineering was supported byrelentless efforts in securing the region and facilitating development.Understanding the socio-economic roots of Naxalism, the developmentalactivities since 2010 & onwards have been promoted & supported by constructingseveral schools, hospitals, small bridges, culverts and roads. Apart from this, largenumber of Mobile towers also installed in the deep forested villages BSF deployeddistricts for improve better mobile connectivity.Additionally, the BSF also carried out several outreach programme i.e. TribalYouth Exchange Porgrammes, Civic Action Programme, Exhibitions & District LevelJob fairs in order to close to the local inhabitants for motivating the colleague andrelative of Maoists for joining mainstream by surrendering themselves before lawenforcement agencies.While significant progress has been made, challenges remain, particularly inthe dense forests of Kalahandi, Kandhamal & Boudh where naxal presence and IEDthreats persist. Additionally, the socio-economic impact of Naxal-linked narcoticstrafficking, especially Ganja cultivation, poses new hurdles.We would like to remember the 14 BSF bravest who have made supremesacrifice & laid down their lives to protect the National honour while combatingNaxals in Odisha since 2010. The present state of affairs would not have beenpossible without their contribution. We are obliged not only to them but to theirfamilies too who have been their ultimate support base. We salute the bravefamily members of these officers & pers, who were the fountain of courage tothose ‘Shahids’ to sacrifice themselves for the nation.The BSF is committed to eradicating Naxalism from Odisha by March 2026,aligning with the vision of Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji. TheForce’s roadmap includes:Enhanced coordination with Odisha Police and intelligence agenciesDeployment of advanced technologies like drones and satellitesurveillanceStrengthening community engagement through education,healthcare, and employment programs.The journey of the BSF in Odisha exemplifies the transformative power of aSecurity Force committed to both combat and compassion. From being thenemesis of Naxals to becoming the liberators of Swabhiman Anchal, the BSF’sunparalleled record in preserving human rights and fostering development hasbrought stability to the region.Odisha, once synonymous with Naxal violence, now stands poised for abrighter future. The BSF, upholding its motto of “Jeevan Paryant Kartavya”remains resolute in its mission to ensure peace, security, and prosperity for thepeople of Odisha.
