Increased vigil in Kandhamal for celebrations | Bhubaneswar News
Berhampur: Authorities have ramped up security measures in Kandhamal district ahead of Christmas, deploying 20 platoons of forces in sensitive areas.
DIG (southern range) Sarthak Sarangi said security personnel have been stationed at identified churches in sensitive locations, with increased mobile patrolling to maintain law and order during the festive period.
Security operations are being jointly monitored by Sarangi and Kanhamal SP Harish B C. Anti-Maoist operations have been intensified in vulnerable areas, with forces on high alert for any extremist movement.
Police conducted flag marches in various locations on Christmas eve, while also implementing measures to crack down on illegal liquor sales. This follows appeals from religious leaders who had requested a three-day prohibition on alcohol sales prior to Christmas during a district-level peace committee meeting held in Phulbani on Dec 17.
Kandhmal, which has a significant Christian population, remains sensitive following the 2008 riots that erupted after the assassination of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
Despite security concerns, churches and prayer houses across the district are decorated with lights and stars, with choir practice underway as a part of pre-Christmas celebrations.
District collector Amrit Ruturaj has called for communal harmony during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Peace committee meetings have been conducted at all police stations across the district, with all communities pledging their support for peaceful celebrations.
“All communities have assured their cooperation to ensure peaceful celebrations,” a senior official said.
DIG (southern range) Sarthak Sarangi said security personnel have been stationed at identified churches in sensitive locations, with increased mobile patrolling to maintain law and order during the festive period.
Security operations are being jointly monitored by Sarangi and Kanhamal SP Harish B C. Anti-Maoist operations have been intensified in vulnerable areas, with forces on high alert for any extremist movement.
Police conducted flag marches in various locations on Christmas eve, while also implementing measures to crack down on illegal liquor sales. This follows appeals from religious leaders who had requested a three-day prohibition on alcohol sales prior to Christmas during a district-level peace committee meeting held in Phulbani on Dec 17.
Kandhmal, which has a significant Christian population, remains sensitive following the 2008 riots that erupted after the assassination of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
Despite security concerns, churches and prayer houses across the district are decorated with lights and stars, with choir practice underway as a part of pre-Christmas celebrations.
District collector Amrit Ruturaj has called for communal harmony during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Peace committee meetings have been conducted at all police stations across the district, with all communities pledging their support for peaceful celebrations.
“All communities have assured their cooperation to ensure peaceful celebrations,” a senior official said.
