Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday complimented the Odisha Police for achieving ‘zero casualties’ in 2014 while dealing with Leftwing extreme violence. On the other hand, at least six Maoists have died in the State in the year during exchange of gunfire between the police and extremists.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the two-day annual Senior Police Officers’ Conference here on the day, Patnaik, who also is the State Home Minister, said Maoist activities last year were brought under control except in the districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada, Raygada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Balangir and Baragarh. “These districts should be in our focus. All possible steps should be taken to counter the Leftwing extremist activities in these areas,” Mr.Patnaik said adding that there has been progressive improvement in the overall Naxal scenario in the State with respect to frequency of violence, organisational activities, recruitment and mass mobilising by the extremists.
The Chief Minister also complimented the police force for maintaining peaceful law and order in the State in 2014 which saw the twin elections for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha. The law and order was by and large under control during major festivals and staging of international events, Mr.Patnaik said praising the policemen for deftly handling the communal disorders to maintain communal harmony in the State throughout last year.
He, however, cautioned the force to take care of the challenges ahead. “The Nabakalebar (mega festival of Lord Jagannath) in 2015 is one such occasion where the State police are required to play major role,” he said hoping that the police will be able to handle the task effectively with proper planning and coordination.
The State Chief Secretary Mr G. C. Pati, who also accompanied the Chief Minister to the occasion too emphasised that the police force would play a vital role in maintaining law and order and manage the Puri traffic during the Nabakalebar in July this year.
