Balasore: In the wake of the surgical strikes by Indian Army in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), a three-tier security cordon has been thrown around the Integrated Test Range (ITR) here, but there has been lax security along the 81-km coast, which lies vulnerable to possible infiltration under the present circumstances.
A high alert has been sounded across the nation, particularly in strategically important installations including Chandipur-based ITR.
“Patrolling has been stepped up by police team in the area,” said Chandipur IIC Rajendra Das.
On the backdrop of the possible reprisal from Pakistan in nay part of the country, the current security measures as adopted by the authorities and the administration here seem to be inadequate.
The marine police station here is virtually paralysed as two out of the three boats are lying defunct. “We are managing with one boat and two automatic guns. Nine constables are doing 24-hour duty,” said Chandipur marine police station IIC Chittaranjan Nayak.
After the Mumbai terrorist attacks of 2008, the state government on instruction from the Centre had set up marine police stations at Bahabalpur, Chandipur and Talsari to strengthen security along the 81 km coastline. However, the post of IIC has been lying vacant at Bahabalpur marine police station which also doesn’t have boats. Similarly, Talsari police station also lacks boats.
Under such circumstances, police officials find it tough to carry sea patrolling to thwart infiltration if any takes place through sea route.
However, SP Niti Sekhar said boats are hired in case of necessity.
During the Mumbai attacks, Pakistan terrorists had used an Indian trawler to enter the country. Thousands of trawlers are operating in Balaramgadi coast in this district. Many trawlers have not been registered. With such inadequate staff and boats, maintaining proper security and keeping watch on thousands of trawlers is a trough proposition on part of the marine police.
“Checking all trawlers is not possible,” said the Chandipur marine police station IIC. IIC Das said tight security measures are being taken up in all strategic areas of the district including the ITR. PNN