Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Phulbani, Dec 22:

With just two days left for Christmas Day, security has been reinforced in communally sensitive Kandhamal district of Odisha . Police has intensified patrolling in the district to ensure peaceful celebrations of Christmas Day and New Year.

police checking

“Patrolling has been stepped up along with checking, blocking and search at vulnerable places. Security has been tightened particularly at places of worship, prayer houses and entry points of the district. We have deployed 31 platoons of armed forces, including Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Operation Group (SOG) and District Volunteer Force (DVF)”, said Kandhamal Superintendent of Police (SP) KB Singh.

Strict vigil is being maintained in sensitive areas and police personnel across the state have been put on alert ro prevent any untoward incident during the festival, Singh said.

Armed forces have been deployed round the clock in and around selected churches and areas with large minority population for maintenance of law and order, the SP said.

Police said it has kept a close watch on anti-social elements and history-sheeters.