India-Pakistan tension: After Collectors, leaves of all IPS officers cancelled in Odisha

The Odisha government has cancelled leaves for all Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in the state, including trainees, as tensions with Pakistan reach a ‘war-like’ height. In an order issued on Saturday, the Home Department instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure that no IPS officer leaves their headquarters.

Those already on leave, whether for training, vacation, or personal reasons, were directed to report back immediately. Further, those IPS officers undertaking training would also have to report for duty, and no further leaves would be sanctioned until further notification, the letter said.

Statewide Crisis Protocol Activated

This move follows Odisha’s earlier decision to cancel leaves for senior bureaucrats, including district collectors and Regional Development Commissioners (RDCs).

“I am directed to inform you that, in view of the ongoing war like conditions on the Western front of the Country, all leaves sanctioned earlier in favour of all RDCs and Collector & DMs are hereby cancelled,” the letter from the State Additional Secretary had emphasised the war-like situation prevailing nationwide.

The government has also mandated round-the-clock operations at key institutions like AIIMS Bhubaneswar, which revoked all staff leaves on Friday.

The synchronised measures reflect heightened concerns over Pakistan’s alleged use of drones and missiles targeting Indian civilians, which reportedly triggered Indian retaliatory strikes on three Pakistani airbases earlier today.

ALSO READ: India-Pakistan tensions: From Jagannath Temple to Hirakud Dam, list of places where security tightened

Military Strikes: India Hits Pak Airbases

According to intelligence sources, India targeted Nur Khan Air Base (Rawalpindi), located just 10 km from Pakistan’s military headquarters. The facility houses VIP aircraft, combat squadrons, and the Pakistan Air Force College.

Other targets included the Murid Air Base (Chakwal) and Rafiqui Air Base (Shorkot), which is a strategic base hosting JF-17 Thunder and Mirage jets, critical to Pakistan’s cross-border strikes.

Meanwhile, Odisha’s coastal districts have heightened surveillance, with police and coastal security agencies conducting drills along with beefing up of security at vital public installations.