Maoist violence has declined in Odisha: Naveen

Odisha Channel Bureau Bhubaneswar, July 26: The quantum and intensity of Maoist violence has declined in Odisha in 2013 and 2014 till date, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has said.A total of 128 Maoist related incidents have been reported in the State during this period, which includes 41 incidents of exchange of fire between the Maoists and the police.As many as 28 Maoists have been killed, 158 have been arrested and 142 have surrendered, and security forces have also recovered large quantities of fire arms, explosive devices and other materials during the period, Patnaik said in the State Assembly on Friday.“My Government has remodeled its ‘Surrender & Rehabilitation Scheme’ with enhanced financial assistance with a view to encourage more number of Maoists to shun violence and join the mainstream.About Rupees three crores has been disbursed to the Maoist surrenderees under the scheme so far.”In order to augment the strength of State police, 6243 posts in different ranks have been filled up by way of direct recruitment during 2013, and 3188 posts have also been created during the year 2013-14, he said.Further, 4009 tribal youths recruited as Special Police Officers, have been absorbed as Constables in the Odisha Auxiliary Police Force.The allowances for Home Guards, Gramrakhis, Police, Prison and Fire services personnel have been enhanced, Patnaik informed the House.