Bhubaneswar: Odisha and Andhra Pradesh police have launched joint security surveillance along the border of the two states ahead of the twin elections for the Lok Sabha and the Assembly in the state and the Maoist menace in the region.
According to reports, joint security surveillance by the police of the two states has been undertaken in the border areas in Ganjam and Gajapati districts following the direction of the Election Commission of India (ECI). On Sunday, Odisha DGP Arun Kumar Sarangi visited the region and held day-long meetings with the police superintendents (SPs) of Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh and Berhampur on the poll preparedness in their respective areas.
The DGP said the joint patrolling along the inter-state border is being undertaken following a coordination meeting with the SPs of the border districts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. According to Sarangi, the police are mainly focussing on Kandhamal and Boudh because of the movement of Maoists in these two districts.
Briefing the media, he said, “We have chalked out a plan to deploy additional forces for the upcoming elections, which are scheduled on May 13 and 20. We will deploy adequate security personnel to ensure free elections in these districts.”
Meanwhile, combing operations are underway in several vulnerable areas, he added.
The police have also launched a special drive to crack down on marijuana smuggling and plantation of the narcotic substance in the areas.
