Odisha Director General of Police Sanjiv Marik visited Malkangiri and Koraput districts of south Odisha to review the Maoist situation which hinted towards intensification of anti-Maoist operations in the region in near future.
The DGP felt there was need of deployment of two more battalions of Border Security Force in this region to increase area dominance of security forces. Speaking to newsmen in Koraput, the DGP pointed out that in recent times the Maoists had lost much ground in Malkangiri and Koraput districts, which were earlier their major bases. But he felt it was not the time of complacency for the security forces and more area dominance through anti-Maoist operations was need of the day. According to him additional BSF battalions will help in filling up the gaps in the anti-Maoist operations as in several key locations in Koraput district there were no permanent camps of central forces. He also added that construction of a Special Operation Group (SOG) training centre was on in Koraput and its completion would increase strength of SOG personnel in the State.
During his visit the DGP held discussions and review meetings with senior police officials of Malkangiri and Koraput districts regarding proper implementation of developmental projects in remote pockets through better coordination between the police and the administration. Before reaching Koraput, Mr Marik had visited Malkangiri district as well as cut off area of Balimela reservoir bordering Andhra Pradesh, a hot bed of Maoists in Malkangiri district. According to the DGP, construction of Gurupriya bridge, which had been till date stalled by Maoists, would be a major catalyst of improved communication and development of 151 villages in this cut off area.
