BHUBANESWAR: Stating that the quantum and intensity of Maoist violence has declined in the State, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday said dreaded Maoist Sabyasachi Panda is behind bars due to the sustained, intelligent and hard work coupled with valour and sacrifice of the police.
Responding to the Opposition parties, who had made light of the arrest of Sabyasachi by the police, the Chief Minister said the sacrifice of security personnel who lost their lives in the fight against left wing extremism (LWE) should not be belittled for narrow political ends.
“We do not believe in stage-managing things. People of our State know the commitment and sincerity with which my Government deals with issues concerning the State, including LWE,” he said.
The Congress and the BJP members, however, staged a walkout during Naveen’s reply alleging that the Chief Minister did not respond to the points raised by them.
Naveen said 128 Maoist-related incidents were reported in 2013 and 2014 till date which included 41 incidents of exchange of fire between the ultras and police. He said 28 Maoists were killed, 158 were arrested and 142 surrendered during the period. Security forces recovered large cache of firearms, explosive and other materials during the period.
He said the State Government has remodelled its surrender and rehabilitation scheme with enhanced financial assistance with a view to encourage more Maoists to shun violence and join the mainstream. So far `3 crore has been disbursed to Maoists who have surrendered under the scheme so far.
In order to augment the strength of the State police, 6,243 posts in different ranks have been filled up by direct recruitment in 2013, Naveen said and added that 4,009 tribal youths, recruited as special police officers (SPOs), have been absorbed as constables in the Odisha Auxiliary Police Force.
Responding to the criticism of Opposition on police inaction over growing crime against women, the Chief Minister said FIRs concerning offences against women can be lodged in any police station and later transferred to the police station concerned for investigation.
Stating that special prosecutors are now being appointed in sensitive cases, he said the victim compensation scheme has been enlarged for providing necessary medical assistance and compensation to women and child victims. Mahila and Sishu desks are being strengthened with posts of sub-inspector being sanctioned for all police stations, he said.