Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has made extensive security arrangements to tackle any potential threats during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to attend the three-day All India DGP-IGP conference beginning in Bhubaneswar on Friday.
Besides the Prime Minister, the conference is scheduled to be attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other dignitaries.
On a purported threat issued by Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to disrupt the event, DGP Y B Khurania said unprecedented security arrangements were already in place to avoid any untoward incident. “We are on high alert and have taken foolproof security measures for the smooth conduct of the three-day national conference,” he told reporters.
Additional Director General (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar said, “We are aware of all the threats and have made extensive security arrangements. We will ensure that no untoward incidents take place.”
Stating that a robust security blanket has been thrown over Bhubaneswar, Commissioner of Police Suresh Dev Datta Singh said security personnel are fully prepared to foil any evil design of anti-India conspirators.
Sharing details of security measures, ADG Kumar said around 80 platoons (1 platoon consists of 30 personnel) of Odisha Police, along with 10 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), including CRPF and BSF personnel, have been deployed at key locations.
“The meeting venue and other important places are secured with three-tier security, while the Prime Minister will have a four-layer security setup, with the SPG handling internal security,” he said.
Given the perceived threat level, Kumar explained that specially trained police officers have been deployed to manage security.
Traffic management is also a top priority to prevent public inconvenience during the conference. A DG-rank officer will oversee traffic, assisted by two SP-rank officers, to ensure smooth flow.
All venues, accommodations, and roads have been thoroughly sanitised., while precautionary measures, including checks on food and other items to ensure security, are being taken, he said.
Both plainclothes and uniformed officers will be monitoring the movement of any suspicious individuals or objects. Security personnel will be stationed at all critical points throughout the city.
Special security arrangements have also been made for the Prime Minister’s visit near the airport, including frisking, checks, and other necessary security procedures. “We are ensuring foolproof security for all events related to the Prime Minister’s visit,” he added.
The Prime Minister is expected to arrive in Bhubaneswar at 4:15 pm on Friday, before heading to the BJP office for a meeting. From there, he will proceed to Raj Bhavan.
Though initially planned, the PM’s roadshow from the airport has been cancelled.
Modi will attend the DGP conference on November 30 and December 1. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will also arrive on Friday to chair the meeting.
Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Raj Bhawan, Lok Seva Bhawan, state guesthouse and IPS mess at Maitri Vihar along with the routes from BPIA to Raj Bhawan, Raj Bhawan to Lok Seva Bhawan, BPIA to IPS mess and IPS mess to Lok Seva Bhawan have been declared no-fly zones till December 1.
