India to be Naxal-free by March 2026: Odisha DGP

Bhubaneswar(By Abhishek Mohanty): 
India is expected to become completely free of Naxal influence by March 2026, Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania said on Friday. The announcement follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s nationwide call for a Naxal-free India.

A major anti-Maoist operation is set to begin in Kandhamal, which remains the most Naxal-affected district in Odisha. The DGP has stationed himself in Kandhamal to oversee the strategy, accompanied by the IG (Operations) and DIG (Operations).

According to Khurania after a review of Naxal activities, an estimated 80–85 Maoists are currently active in Odisha. Among them, five are Odias, while the rest belong to other states.

This year, Odisha has recorded 19 Naxals killed, 8 arrested, and 6 who surrendered, reflecting intensified action across affected regions.

Apart from Kandhamal, Maoist presence continues in Kalahandi, Rayagada, Boudh, Gajapati, and Nuapada districts.

Discussion was held on anti-Naxal strategies, ganja cultivation,  and overall law & order scenario.