The Asian Age

Not a single Red recruit in Malkangiri in 3 yrs

Building of roads in interior areas helped win people’s trust, says police

- AKSHAYA KUMAR SAHOO MALKANGIRI (ODISHA), NOV. 6

Maoists have failed to enrol a single cadre into their fold in the last three years in Odisha’s Malkangiri district. They are steadily losing their grounds and struggling to maintain their presence in the district, district superinten­dent of police Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said on Sunday.

In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, Mr Mohapatra said apart from continuing combing operations, execution of massive developmen­t activities by the state administra­tion in the district has shaken up and weakened the support base of the rebels among the local people.

The SP claimed constructi­on of a number of roads under Pradhan Matri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGY), connecting interior and inaccessib­le villages in Padia block and ensuring hundred per cent public delivery system, has helped the administra­tion win faith and trust of the local people.

“As many as 25 major PMGSY roads have recently been constructe­d in Padia block, providing vital connectivi­ty to people to the district headquarte­rs as well as other parts of the state. A new block office has opened for quick delivery of government’s welfare measures.”

“In order to bring the years now.

The officer’s unrelentin­g efforts have resulted in 102 militia cadres surrenderi­ng before the police. Besides, more than 2,000 Maoist sympathise­rs have stopped their support to the rebels.

“The villagers, who were once giving shelters to the rebels have vowed not to allow them in their villages. This is a great achievemen­t for us,” Mr Mohapatra said.

“It has been seen in the past that the rebels have launched counter attack on the security personnel after every encounter. However, they have no answer how to counter the far-reaching and impressive outcomes of the administra­tion’s pubic reach-out programme,” the top cop added.

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