Malkangiri: With neighbouring Chhattisgarh going to polls on Friday, security forces have been put on high alert in Odisha’s Malkangiri district to prevent any intrusion of Maoists.
According to sources, the security forces including local police, BSF, CRPF and other agencies in Chhattisgarh have been keeping a close watch on movement of the Maoists as the first phase of the elections will be held in the state on Friday.
Since Malkangiri will go to polls after two weeks, it is apprehended that the members of the banned outfit might attempt to infiltrate into the district to disrupt the voting. Considering this, Malkangiri police and BSF have intensified their operation against the Maoists and the border with Chhattisgarh has been sealed.
Malkangiri SP Nitish Wadhwani told the media that anti-Maoist operation has been intensified in 16 places of the district. Four teams of security forces have been put on stand-by so that they can be rushed in case of any emergency.
“The police patrolling is being carried out continuously 24 hours at all four entry and exit points on the border. Unknown persons and vehicles are checked before being allowed to proceed further. Similarly, high-tech drones have been used to keep a watch from the sky,” the SP said.
Wadhwani asserted that the security forces were ready to thwart any attempt by the Maoists to disrupt polling process and assured of safe and peaceful voting on the scheduled dates in the district.
