Security beefed up in Maoism prone dists for I-Day

Bhubaneswar: With the 70th Independence Day just a few hours away, arrangements for celebration of the day have reached final stages in the state. Security arrangements have been stepped up in the Maoist-prone districts of Koraput, Rayagada and Malkangiri.

According to sources, security arrangements have been beefed up at the three entrances to Koraput district. Highly placed officials said surprises checking of vehicles entering the districts are being conducted. Police has also kept a hawk eye on vehicles plying on the National Highway No 26, the sources added.

Similarly, checking is being conducted on Rayagada route. Besides, high alert has been sounded in Maoist prone areas and combing operations have been intensified by BSF jawans in Narayanpatna to avoid any untoward incident during the celebration.

Three-layer security arrangements have been made at Malkangiri district. Anti-Maoist operations have been intensified in the areas by SOG, DVF and BSF jawans as the red rebels observe I-Day as ‘black day’.