Shivraj Patil to visit Orissa today

Bhubaneswar, Sep 3 : Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil will arrive in Orissa today for an on the spot assessment of the situation in the violence-hit areas of the State.

During his visit, Patil will discuss the situation with the representatives of the State government in Bhubaneswar. Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal also visited the State recently.

The Union Home Secretary and other senior officers of the Home Ministry have been in close touch with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and other senior officers of the State.

The centre has provided 33 additional companies of para-military forces including six of the Rapid Action Force to the Orissa Government to deal with the situation and restore peace and normalcy in the affected areas.

A BSF MI-17 helicopter has been stationed at Bhubaneswar. Advisories have also been issued to the State from time to time.

ANI