Security beefed up in Kandhamal for peaceful Christmas

Phulbani (Odisha), Dec 21: Security arrangements have been strengthened and police have intensified patrolling in sensitive Kandhamal district of Odisha to ensure peaceful celebrations on Christmas Day and New Year.

While patrolling by the police has been stepped up, checking, blocking and nakabandi have been arranged in vulnerable spots, particularly places of worship, prayer houses and entry points of the district, said Kandhamal Superintendent of Police K B Singh.

Police personnel across the district have been alerted and strict vigil is maintained in sensitive areas in order to prevent any untoward incident during this festive occasion, the SP said.

"We have deployed 31 platoons of armed forces including Central Reserve Police Force, Special Operation Group and District Volunteer force," Singh said.

Selected churches and areas with large minority population are being provided with armed forces round the clock in order to maintain law and order, he said.

However, the administration is somewhat relaxed this time as no bandh call has been given this year by any outfit as in previous years during the festivities, police said adding that anti-social elements and historysheeters have been kept under close watch.

PTI