Alert sounded in Maoist pockets of Orissa

An alert has been sounded and security tightened in Maoist pockets of Orissa with deployment of central forces in view of the call given by red rebels to observe the Independence Day as 'black day' tomorrow, a top police officer said today.

A strict vigil is being maintained in the Maoist-prone areas of Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Sundargarh and Keonjhar districts to prevent any untoward incident during the celebrations.

Director general of police Manmohan Praharaj said that though security was beefed up across the state, special steps were taken in Naxal-hit districts in view of the threat issued by the rebels.

In southern Orissa, police sounded an alert to the field staff and deployed central security forces in vulnerable areas of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts, DIG Police (Southern Range), Berhampur, RK Sharma said.

Asking people to boycott the Independence Day and observe it as a 'black day', Maoists had pasted posters at some places of southern districts of the state.

Forces were checking vehicles while strict vigil would be maintained in rural and interior areas.

"Since the Maoists have targeted schools and panchayat offices in rural and interior areas of these districts, we will maintain strict vigil in these areas this time," said another senior police officer.

He said there would be deployment of additional forces in places at district level where the main functions will be held, besides in rural areas, especially schools and panchayat offices, which they have been targeting for the last several years.