Odisha Seeks Dedicated Helicopter, Mobile Towers to Tackle Maoist Insurgency

New Delhi: During a national-level LWE review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Odisha government requested a dedicated helicopter for security forces combating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) within the state.

State Finance Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha emphasized the need for a dedicated helicopter to aid troop movement, maintain forward posts, and respond swiftly to LWE-related emergencies.

Arukha also highlighted the diminishing influence of the CPI (Maoist) in the state, noting that they are now confined to pockets in ten districts. This reduction in violence and local support for the outfit has been attributed to the proactive developmental initiatives and people-centric policies of the Naveen Patnaik-led government.

One notable success story is the Swabhiman Anchal in Malkangiri district, once a Maoist stronghold, which has now come under the complete control and dominance of security forces. Key infrastructure projects like the Gurupriya Bridge and the ‘SETU’ (Social Economic Transformation and Upliftment) scheme have significantly improved the lives and livelihoods of the local population.

Furthermore, the government has distributed over 7,000 smartphones to students in the area to facilitate their education. Improved healthcare services have been provided through the expansion of ambulance fleets, the deployment of paramedics, and the introduction of boat ambulances and water ambulances.

Innovative approaches like drone deliveries of medicines in certain areas of Kalahandi district have also been implemented. The state’s ‘Mukhyamantri Bayu Yojana’ has seen super specialists being deployed to different areas to enhance healthcare access. Additionally, initiatives promoting skill development and women’s empowerment, including soft loans for setting up enterprises, have significantly eroded support for the CPI (Maoist) outfit.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed satisfaction with the measures taken by the Odisha government to combat the Maoist threat and pledged to provide full assistance to eradicate LWE from the country in the upcoming year.