PIB Bhubaneswar Organizes Regional Media Workshop ‘Vartalap’ at Phulbani

The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the Kandhamal district administration and Odisha Police, organized a Regional Media Workshop ‘Vartalap’ at Phulbani today, focusing on Kandhamal’s journey from Left-Wing Extremism to peace, progress and socio-economic transformation.

The workshop aimed to document the post-LWE transformation of erstwhile affected regions, highlighting key achievements in security, governance and socio-economic development. It also provided a platform for meaningful interaction between government officials and media representatives, as part of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ media outreach initiative to bring the changing ground realities and development progress of these regions into public focus.

The workshop was presided over by Shri Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional Director General, PIB and Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Bhubaneswar. Shri Ramendra Prasad, Superintendent of Police, Kandhamal; Shri Subham Sanjay Bhosle, SDPO, Baliguda; Shri Kushal Chandra Naik, Additional District Magistrate, Kandhamal; Dr. Elsie Mishra, Academician; and Shri Ashish Kumar Sarkar, Assistant Commandant, were among the dignitaries present. Senior police and administrative officials, surrendered Maoists and journalists from Kandhamal and adjoining areas also participated in the workshop.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Mishra emphasised that the special Vartalap is aimed at reviewing the developmental progress of erstwhile LWE-affected districts following the Government of India's declaration on March 31, 2026. Highlighting achievements such as the construction of 15,199 km of roads, installation of 9,497 mobile towers and the availability of 1,804 bank branches across LWE-affected regions, he stressed the importance of bringing these developments into public discourse, addressing local grievances, overcoming the psychology of fear and promoting the socio-economic, cultural and aspirational development of communities.

Shri Ramendra Prasad highlighted the significant progress made by Odisha Police in containing Left-Wing Extremism, noting that the number of active Maoists in the district had declined from over 100 in 2025 to single digits by March 2026. He credited the coordinated efforts of SOG, DVF, intelligence units and district police, while acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel in restoring peace. He also emphasised the role of improved road and mobile connectivity, welfare delivery and administrative outreach in reaching remote villages. Stressing that “violence is never the answer,” he called for democratic resolution of grievances, rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists and collective efforts to sustain lasting peace in Kandhamal.

Shri Kushal Chandra Naik said that the district administration's efforts to strengthen welfare delivery and grievance redressal. He noted a significant reduction in community grievances, resolution of pending pension cases involving 500-600 beneficiaries, and relief measures for families affected by recent weather events. He also emphasised the role of media in promoting awareness of development initiatives.

Dr. Elsie Mishra flagged how economic deprivation and poor infrastructure contributed to LWE in Kandhamal. She noted improvements in connectivity, education and access to information, emphasising the role of scholarships, hostels and welfare initiatives under the pillars of ‘Vishwas, Nirman and Jan Kalyan’ in promoting inclusive development.

Shri Ashish Kumar Sarkar, Assistant Commandant, delivered a detailed presentation titled ‘Rise and Fall of Maoism’, tracing the evolution of Left-Wing Extremism in Odisha, its impact on Kandhamal and the security challenges faced by the region. He highlighted major incidents, including the Nayagarh armoury attack in February 2008, in which around 500 armed Maoists looted the armoury, resulting in the deaths of 13 police personnel and four civilians. He also outlined the establishment of specialised anti-Naxal units, including the Special Operations Group (SOG) and Special Intelligence Wing (SIW) in 2004, and explained the coordinated role of SOG, SIW, District Intelligence and Operations Cells (DIOC) and District Voluntary Force (DVF) in intelligence gathering and security operations. Shri Sarkar also highlighted various government welfare measures and rehabilitation schemes, meant for maoists.

The presentation further highlighted how Maoist violence obstructed development by targeting road construction, mobile towers and other infrastructure projects, intimidating contractors, imposing levies and spreading fear among local communities. Recalling the sacrifices of security personnel and civilians, he referred to several major incidents in Kandhamal and the February 3, 2024, operation at Kakerkupa village, in which a seven-member police team, led by Inspector Amaresh Chandra Narendra, engaged Maoists and neutralised senior Maoist cadre Dasru alias Dudu Mundari. During the operation, ASI Jeetendra Nayak sustained a bullet injury. Inspector Amaresh Chandra Narendra, Inspector Debasish Sai and ASI Jeetendra Nayak shared their firsthand experiences, highlighting the challenges and courage involved in the operation. The presentation underscored the role of sustained security operations, intelligence coordination and the sacrifices of police personnel in restoring peace and creating an enabling environment for development in Kandhamal.

A few surrendered former Maoists also shared their personal experiences, offering insights into the circumstances that led them to join the extremist movement and the realities of life within it, highlighting the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration into mainstream society.

Shri Pradeep Kumar Choudhury, Assistant Director, CBC and Nodal Officer, Vartalap, delivered the welcome address, while Shri Mahendra Prasad Jena, Assistant Director, PIB Bhubaneswar, moderated the workshop.

Shri Manoj Kumar Jali, Deputy Director, and Shri Swadhin Shakti Prasad, Media and Communication Officer, PIB Bhubaneswar, coordinated the event. The workshop also featured an interactive session with journalists, providing an opportunity for direct engagement with senior police and administrative officials.

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Subhalaxmi/Swadhin/Manoj