Bhubaneswar, Jan 13 (IANS): It is time to change the strategy to counter Maoists in Odisha with more focus on programmes which woos people from rebel influence, the CRPF chief said Tuesday.

"There is improvement in tackling the Maoist violence in the state. However, we have to change our strategy to counter the extremists," said Central Reserve Police Force director general Prakash Mishra.

"There should be more focus on people oriented programmes," he told the media.

Mishra also said that the CPRF had decided to withdraw its units from Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Ganjam districts where the Maoist menace has decreased and focus more on the troubled areas.

"CRPF camps would be withdrawn from where Maoist activities have declined and re-deployed in places where the rebels are more active."

He said the CRPF would be relocated in Nuapada, Kandhamala, Kalahandi and Sunabeda where Maoists have considerable presence.

Eight regular battalions and one CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) battalion are deployed in 13 Odisha districts. The Border Security Force has been deployed in Malkangiri and Koraput districts.