Saturday, March 18 2006 17:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhubaneswar: The naxalite problem has emerged as one of the biggest threats to Orissa's internal security as nearly half of the total districts of the state are now infested by the ultras.

"Naxalite activities, which were reported from southern and northern districts of the state, have affected law and order situation of the state. Of the 30 districts of the state, naxalites were active in 14 districts in 2005," a white paper on the law and order situation tabled in the state assembly said.

The report has expressed alarm on the growing influence of naxalites on several districts.

"After spreading their influence in bordering districts such as Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Deogarh and Mayurbhanj, the naxalites were trying to establish their foothold in Dhenkanal, Jajpur and other districts," the white paper said.

"The ultras were trying to link Bhubaneswar and Cuttack with southern part of the state through central districts such as Kandhamal and Boudh," it said.

The year 2005 saw naxalite activities spreading into northern districts such as Sambalpur and Deogarh.

"In October last, a group of naxalites had attacked police personnel and snatched away guns and ammunition at Jamankira in Sambalpur district. While a policeman was killed in the attack, some other people were injured," the report mentioned.