Bhubaneshwar: The Odisha police today asserted that the joint operations against the Maoists, with its counterparts in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, would be stepped up and that additional forces would be deployed in the Naxalism-hit areas, if need be.

This was stated by Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP) R P Sharma, who undertook a visit to the Naxalism-hit Malkangiri and Koraput districts today.

“The anti-Maoist operations will be intensified jointly by Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. If necessary, more police camps will be set up in the Maoist-affected areas to deal with the menace,” he said.

Noting that Maoist activities had declined considerably in the region, the DGP said the focus would be on a proper coordination and cooperation while carrying out the anti- Maoist drive, besides strengthening the joint operations.

A number of Maoist strongholds had crumbled and many ultras surrendered before the police due to the intensive operations by the security forces, Sharma said.

Urging the “red rebels” to give up arms and return to the social mainstream, he warned them that violence perpetrated by them would be dealt with a firm hand.

Sharma, who visited the BSF and police camps in the remote cut-off area of Chitrakonda, was accompanied by other senior police officials.

The DGP also held a meeting at the district headquarters of Malkangiri and reviewed the Maoist situation in the area.

The police chief also visited Koraput, where he discussed the Maoist situation at a review meeting with senior officials.