Odisha Police to curb candidates' movement in Maoist belts

Berhampur: In the wake of the recent Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh, Odisha Police have decided to issue a list of 'dos and don'ts' for candidates in poll fray in the Maoist-hit areas.

"We will pass on the dos and don'ts to the candidates and urge them to follow the guidelines during the run-up to the elections," Director General of Police Prakash Mishra said here after reviewing law and order situation in southern range ahead of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections next month.

Noting that providing security to candidates was a top priority, he said parties should cooperate with the police in this regard.

Besides, the candidates and the electorate in Maoist pockets would be given extra security for smooth conduct of the elections, he said.

"Personal security to the candidates and political personalities in the red pockets areas are important," he said alluding to the murder of Jagabandhu Majhi, the then ruling party MLA in Umerkote in Nabarangapur district, and kidnap of Jhina Hikaka, the sitting ruling party MLA of Laxmipur Assembly constituency in Koraput district.

Majhi and his personal security officers were shot dead on September 24, 2011 at Gona village. The Maoists had abducted Hikaka on March 24, 2012. He was released on April 26 by the ultras after being in their captivity for 33 days.