Security tightened across Orissa for R-Day

Bhubaneswar, Jan 25 (PTI) With Maoists asking peopleto boycot the Republic Day tomorrow and observe it as "blackday", security was tightened across Orissa, particularly thesouthern region, to prevent any untoward incident and ensurepeaceful celebration of the national festival.

A thick security blanket was thrown over Malkangiri,Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Mayurbhanj,Keonjhar and Sundargarh districts with heavy force deploymentand intensive patrolling as Maoists put up posters at severalplaces warning people not to celebrate Republic day.

Maoist posters were found in Kalimela and Motu areasof naxal-infested Malkangiri district today besidesBhanjanagar in Ganjam district, police said adding a blackflag was also put up by the rebels in Bhanjanagar.

"We are keeping a close vigil while security has beentightened in the district," Malkangiri superintendent ofpolice Anirudh Singh said adding all vehicles were beingthoroughly checked and entry points sealed.

Senior police officials also expressed doubts aboutgenuineness of the posters, saying �it may be the handiwork ofmischievous elements." They appealed to the people not topanic.�

�Elaborate security arrangements have been made insouthern region for the Republic Day,� said DIG of Police(Southern range) R K Sharma.

The security personnel are keeping a watch onvulnerable areas in Maoist infested districts like Ganjam,Gajapati and Kandhamal.

Extra precaution was adopted in Ganjam district aspolice yesterday unearthed three landmines planted by Maoistsnear Barada village under Baragada police limit, where the redrebels torched at least five vehicles of a contractor engagedin road construction last week.

The leftwing ultras had also torched another vehicleof another contractor at Birikote under Bhanjanagar policelimit recently and threatened the contractors not to executethe work without their permission.