Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Jan 25: A security blanket has been thrown across Orissa for Republic Day celebrations Monday in view of Intelligence Bureau inputs warning of a possible terror strike and a call by Naxals to observe January 26 as ‘Black Day’.
Security has been tightened mainly in Maoist-affected areas, with the state government sounding a high alert after the warning of the possible terror strike.
Superintendents of police of all the 30 districts of the state have been asked to be on alert. All 18 marine police stations have also been told to be extra vigilant, according to director general of police Sanjeev Marik.
More than 1,000 police personnel, quick action teams, counter-terrorist squads, bomb disposal squads and Special Operations Group jawans would be in place in the capital where Governor SC Jamir is set to unfurl the national flag.
Closed circuit televisions have been installed to monitor the movement of people in the parade area, police said. Patrolling has also been stepped up in sensitive and crowded areas as well as near vital installations, according to
police.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to take the salute at the Republic Day parade.
Security has also been tightened in the southern and western regions with security forces intensifying patrolling and borders with neighbouring states such as Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh being sealed, following a call by Maoists for observing the day as a Black Day.
“We are fully prepared to deal with any situation and ensure peaceful celebrations on Republic Day. We are alert and vigilant to thwart any bid to create trouble,” said Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra.
All security camps have been alerted, said Kandhamal district SP KV Singh.
Police are checking vehicles and patrolling has been intensified, he said.
Police personnel would be deployed in strength in Phulbani town, he said.
Security was also tightened in other Naxal-affected districts, including Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati and Ganjam.
