Maoist violence has declined in Odisha: Naveen Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR: Amid a walk out by Congress and BJP members who alleged a spurt in crimes against women, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today claimed in the Assembly that the quantum of Maoist violence has declined since 2013.

"The quantum and intensity of Maoist violence has declined in the state in 2013 and till date this year. A total of 128 Maoist related incidents have been reported during this period, which include 41 exchange of fire between Maoists and the police. 28 Maoists have been killed, 158 arrested and 142 have surrendered," Patnaik said replying to a debate on the demand of grants of the home department in the Assembly.

Stating that security forces have recovered large cache of fire arms, explosive devices and other materials during raids, Patnaik, who is in-charge of the home department, said the government has recast its 'Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme' with enhanced financial assistance to encourage more Maoists to shun violence.

About Rs three crore have been disbursed to the surrendered Maoists under the scheme so far, he said. On the Opposition's criticism that arrest of Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda was a "drama", Patnaik said "we don't believe in stage managing things. People know the commitment and sincerity with which my government deals with issues concerning the state, including Left Wing Extremism."

It is because of the sustained and intelligent hard work along with valour and sacrifice of the Odisha Police that today Sabyasachi Panda is behind bars, he said asking the Opposition not to belittle the sacrifice of security personnel who have lost their lives in the fight against Left Wing Extremism for "narrow political ends.