Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 13:

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to provide full-proof security cover to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit to Odisha capital to attend the national executive of the Bharatiya Janata Party on April 15 and 16.

As many as 100 platoons of policemen and two companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be deployed in Bhubaneswar during Modi’s visit, informed Director General of Police (DGP), K B Singh, here today.

For security reasons the entire area where the Prime Minister would stay or move during his two-day visit has been divided into five sectors and four IG rank police officers will remain in charge of these sectors. These officers will be assisted by 15 SP rank officers and five units of Special Operations Group (SOG).

“We want to ensure that this whole event passes off peacefully without any untoward incident. Four IG rank officers are camping there. All arrangements have been divided into four or five sectors- first is airport, second is residential area-different hotels, third is Governor House where Prime Minister will be staying, fourth is the venue-Janata Maidan and one IG has been given specific charge of route lining. Down the line we have provided adequate officers. We have also erected barriers along the route for the public who will be interested to see the PM,” Singh stated.

An hour before the Prime Minister’s visit to a particular area, that concerned area will be declared a ‘no flying zone’, the DGP added.

“Prime Minister’s security arrangement is being made as per provisions in the ‘Blue Book’ in coordination with the Special Protection Group (SPG).  SPG IG Yashwant Jethwa, who is an Odisha cadre officer, is camping here looking into the arrangement,” Singh elaborated.

The police today held a security mock drill from the airport to Janata Maidan for the Prime Minister’s visit.

Meanwhile, the state government today declared all Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of different states visiting the state capital for the national executive meet of the Bharatiya Janata Pary as state guests. The state government will provide security, transport and other facilities to these esteemed guests as per protocol.