Bhubaneswar: Alarmed by the theft of explosive materials by Maoists in Sundargarh district, a jittery Odisha Police have instructed SPs to ensure strict adherence to SOPs during troop movement.Mining operators have received instructions to follow strict protocols for the transportation and storage of explosive materials in Maoist-influenced areas following the alleged breach of safety guidelines at the Sundargarh stone quarry from where the truck carrying four tonnes of gelatine sticks was hijacked on Tuesday.“We have sounded high alert across 10 Maoist-affected districts — Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Boudh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir and Bargarh — asking SPs to remain extremely vigilant,” a senior police officer told TOI.Security personnel engaged in anti-Maoist operations have been instructed to maintain utmost caution, considering the risk of potential attacks using the stolen materials.The SOP mandates that security forces avoid road travel. A road opening party (ROP) must secure the route beforehand. The ROP must position personnel along both sides to detect IEDs and prevent ambushes. They must inspect culverts and road humps thoroughly. Vehicles travelling through Maoist areas must maintain high speeds to reduce attack risks.“Local police must be notified before transportation of explosives, as per instructions to district SPs. Requirements include armed security, CCTV monitoring and vehicle tracking for explosive-carrying vehicles. Storage facilities need comprehensive security systems and proper stock management. Police must conduct regular inspections and security reviews,” the officer said.“Our investigations showed non-adherence to transportation SOPs involving the explosives. Since Sundargarh was removed from the Maoist-affected areas list last year, the quarry operator did not notify local police,” another police officer said.Security analysts identify this as a significant lapse. “Complacency on part of the quarry operator and police led to the brazen loot of explosives. Maoists look for such opportunities to strike. There should be better coordination between security forces and mining operations, mandatory armed escorts for explosive transportation, and continuous monitoring of vehicles in affected areas,” retired DGP Sanjeev Marik said.