Bhubaneswar: An alert has been sounded and
security tightened in Maoist pockets of Orissa with deployment
of central forces in view of the call given by red rebels to
observe the Independence Day as `black day` tomorrow, a top
police officer said on Saturday.
A strict vigil is being maintained in Maoist-prone areas
of Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Ganjam,
Sundargarh and Keonjhar districts to prevent any untoward
incident during the celebrations.
Director General of Police Manmohan Praharaj said though
security was beefed up across the state, special steps were
taken in Naxal-hit districts in view of the threat issued by
the rebels.
In southern Orissa, police sounded an alert to the field
staff and deployed central security forces in vulnerable areas
of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts, DIG Police
(Southern Range), Berhampur, R K Sharma said.
Asking people to boycott the Independence Day and observe
it as a `black day`, Maoists had pasted posters at some places
of southern districts of the state.
Forces were checking vehicles while strict vigil would be
maintained in rural and interior areas.
"Since the Maoists have targeted schools and panchayat
offices in rural and interior areas of these districts, we
will maintain strict vigil in these areas this time," said
another senior police officer.
He said there would be deployment of additional forces in
places at district level where the main functions will be
held, besides in rural areas, especially schools and panchayat
offices, which they have been targeting for the last several
years.
PTI
