Security heightened across state after Pahalgam attack
Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the terrorist attack in J&K’s Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists on Tuesday, Odisha police stepped up security at major tourist spots and vital installations on Wednesday.
Enhanced police presence was established at the Puri Jagannath Temple, beaches, defence facilities in Balasore and Bhadrak districts, and essential govt structures, including the state assembly, secretariat and other high-security zones in Bhubaneswar.
Police officers stated that while they remain on alert throughout the year, the Pahalgam incident necessitated enhanced security protocols. They refused to divulge in detail about the additional security measures.
DGP Y B Khurania conducted a closed-door meeting in Bhubaneswar with senior officers and personnel from the CRPF and BSF. Sources indicated discussions centred on security matters, including anti-Maoist and counter-extremist tactics following the Pahalgam incident. Top cops also discussed about tourist safety.
“We are on alert. Safety and security of tourists is our priority area. All SPs have been advised to maintain the highest vigilance. Anti-sabotage units are conducting regular checks at vital infrastructure locations and religious sites. Security teams are continuously monitoring CCTV footage at command centres,” DGP Khurania told TOI.
SPs were directed to increase patrolling in major cities and sensitive areas. Security forces are thoroughly inspecting railway stations, bus terminals, shopping centres and religious places. Crowded markets and tourist spots are receiving particular attention.
Puri SP, Vinit Agrawal, confirmed heightened alertness among security personnel at Jagannath Temple. “We have briefed our personnel to remain extremely alert. Entry point checks are being conducted thoroughly. Staff have received instructions to prevent drones flying over the temple,” Agrawal said.
Police authorities assessed security protocols at defence establishments, including the Integrated Test Range (ITR), proof and experimental establishment (PXE), military engineering service (MES) in Balasore district, and missile launching complex at Abdul Kalam Island near the Bhadrak coast. Coastal districts are under increased surveillance, with marine police conducting regular coastal patrols. Police stations have enhanced neighbourhood surveillance and are collaborating with community watch groups. Hotel and other accommodation units have been asked to maintain visitor records and report suspicious activities promptly.
“RPF personnel have intensified security at major rail junctions statewide. Bomb detection teams with sniffer dogs regularly inspect public spaces,” a railway police officer said. The state police cyber cell has been asked to observe social media to prevent circulation of rumours and maintain order.
Enhanced police presence was established at the Puri Jagannath Temple, beaches, defence facilities in Balasore and Bhadrak districts, and essential govt structures, including the state assembly, secretariat and other high-security zones in Bhubaneswar.
Police officers stated that while they remain on alert throughout the year, the Pahalgam incident necessitated enhanced security protocols. They refused to divulge in detail about the additional security measures.
DGP Y B Khurania conducted a closed-door meeting in Bhubaneswar with senior officers and personnel from the CRPF and BSF. Sources indicated discussions centred on security matters, including anti-Maoist and counter-extremist tactics following the Pahalgam incident. Top cops also discussed about tourist safety.
“We are on alert. Safety and security of tourists is our priority area. All SPs have been advised to maintain the highest vigilance. Anti-sabotage units are conducting regular checks at vital infrastructure locations and religious sites. Security teams are continuously monitoring CCTV footage at command centres,” DGP Khurania told TOI.
SPs were directed to increase patrolling in major cities and sensitive areas. Security forces are thoroughly inspecting railway stations, bus terminals, shopping centres and religious places. Crowded markets and tourist spots are receiving particular attention.
Puri SP, Vinit Agrawal, confirmed heightened alertness among security personnel at Jagannath Temple. “We have briefed our personnel to remain extremely alert. Entry point checks are being conducted thoroughly. Staff have received instructions to prevent drones flying over the temple,” Agrawal said.
Police authorities assessed security protocols at defence establishments, including the Integrated Test Range (ITR), proof and experimental establishment (PXE), military engineering service (MES) in Balasore district, and missile launching complex at Abdul Kalam Island near the Bhadrak coast. Coastal districts are under increased surveillance, with marine police conducting regular coastal patrols. Police stations have enhanced neighbourhood surveillance and are collaborating with community watch groups. Hotel and other accommodation units have been asked to maintain visitor records and report suspicious activities promptly.
“RPF personnel have intensified security at major rail junctions statewide. Bomb detection teams with sniffer dogs regularly inspect public spaces,” a railway police officer said. The state police cyber cell has been asked to observe social media to prevent circulation of rumours and maintain order.
