BHUBANESWAR: With Left Wing Extremists (LWE) calling for a Black Day protest on the Independence Day, security has been beefed up across the Maoist-affected districts of the State.
Director General of Police, Sanjeev Mark, said all the I-Day venues in the vulnerable districts have been sanitised and secured to thwart any attempt by the Maoists to create disturbances.
“Basing on the threat mapping in each district, security arrangement has been done. Anti-Maoist squads have been asked to intensify operations,” he said.
Besides, normal security measures have been undertaken in rest of the districts.
In the Capital City, which hosts the State-level ceremony, at least 38 platoons force have been deployed. Of them, 22 platoons will be pressed in and around Mahatma Gandhi Marg.
Security personnels will man all the buildings on both sides of the venue. At least 10 CCTV cameras have been installed in the area to keep an eye on the suspicious elements. “We have also kept a watch on hotels and public places such as bus stands and railway stations,” Police Commissioner, RP Sharma, said.
Medals for Cops
Meanwhile, as many as 33 police personnel of the State will receive medals on the Independence Day. Eleven of them will receive Police Medal for Meritorious Service while an equal number have been chosen for Police Medal for Gallantry. Eight policemen will get the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry while three will get President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
Three senior IPS officers Amrit Mohan Prasad, IG (Vigilance), Arun Kumar Sarangi, IG of Vigilance and IG of Crime Branch YB Khurania will receive the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
Similarly, Malkangiri SP Akhileswar Singh, havildar SS Singh and six constables Siba Shankar Nayak, Manoj Parida, Pabitra Mohan Nayak, Moti Singh Khara, Tribijaya Khara and Sanat Kumar Patra will receive President’s Police Medal for Gallantry.
Another senior officer Devdutt S Singh, DIG (Operations) will receive Police Medal for Meritorious Service.