BSF Pulls Up Socks For Smooth Polls In Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: The Border Security Force (BSF) has exuded confidence in making Odisha Naxal-free within the next two years. BSF's Deputy Inspector General, Dhirendra Kumar, mentioned that Naxalism is on the decline in Odisha, with hopes that the state will be free of Naxal influence by 2026.

Kumar highlighted the significant turnaround in Maoist hotbeds like Koraput and Malkangiri. He also noted that Kandhamal and Boudh have experienced Maoist-related violence recently. In an effort to combat Naxal activity, BSF established a company operating base (COB) at Badapaju in Kandhamal district. This remote area, located in the middle of the forest, is 45 kilometers away from the district headquarters.

"The establishment of Badapaju COB is strategic, providing depth against Naxalites and enabling successful operations against them. Additionally, it aims to choke their logistics supplies through the route," Kumar said. BSF currently has deployments in Koraput (2 battalions), Malkangiri (4 battalions), and Kandhamal (2 battalions).

The BSF has been involved in anti-Naxal operations in Odisha since October 2010.

In preparation for the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, especially in Maoist-affected districts, Kumar said BSF is fully prepared. The Centre has allocated 75 companies of Central forces, with 35 companies from the BSF.

"The BSF has already initiated pre-poll activities, including area domination, and is actively sanitizing sensitive areas. The force had previously ensured the smooth conduct of the 2014 and 2019 elections in Odisha, as well as panchayat elections in 2022 in the Swabhiman Anchal cut-off region in Malkangiri," Kumar said.