Odisha DGP reviews Maoist situation in Malkangiri, ensures voters’ safety

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Malkangiri, Jan 20:

Adequate policemen will be deployed in Maoist-affected areas during the upcoming panchayat polls said Odisha DGP K B Singh here today while he was on a visit to the district to review security arrangements in view of the call given by the Red rebels to boycott elections.

Tight security arrangements will be made for the safe and smooth conduct of panchayat polls and preventive measures will be undertaken to avoid any kind of untoward incident, he added.

“In spite of all problems in the cut-off area we have received nominations from candidates for the posts of Samiti Sabhyas. People are coming forward and we will be able to conduct a safe and peaceful poll in that area. We are prepared to meet any problem in the Naxal-affected areas as well as in the state as a whole. Adequate forces will be deployed and preventive measures will be taken during the elections in view of the call for poll boycott given by a certain section of the Maoists,” informed Singh briefing reporters.

Singh said people have reinforced their faith in democracy as they have come forward and filed nominations in some places in spite of all odds.

“I am sure people will come forward to cast their votes. We will ensure their safety. During election time adequate patrolling by security forces will be undertaken. We will provide security at the polling booths and block level. Besides, special operations and everything will be carried out,” he revealed.

The DGP first visited the BSF camp at MV-3. Later he visited the BSF camps at Jodaamba and Badapada in the cut-off area.

The DGP was accompanied by IG (Operations) R P Kochhe, DIG (South-Western) S Shyni and DIG Narasingh Bhol among others during his visit to the cut-off area.