Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police has put in place extensive security arrangements across the state to ensure the peaceful, orderly and harmonious observance of Muharram on June 26.
A high-level review meeting was held at the State Police Headquarters on Thursday through virtual mode under the chairmanship of Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania to assess preparedness and strengthen law and order measures ahead of the festival.
During the meeting, the DGP directed all police officers to make comprehensive security arrangements and maintain heightened vigilance across their respective jurisdictions. He instructed officials to intensify patrolling, deploy additional police personnel wherever required and ensure proper briefing of the deployed forces.
Special security plans have been formulated for identified sensitive locations across the state. The DGP also reviewed incidents reported during Muharram celebrations in previous years and advised officers to exercise extra caution in areas with a history of disturbances.
To prevent the spread of rumours and provocative content, Khurania ordered round-the-clock cyber patrolling and directed strict action against those found circulating inflammatory posts on social media platforms.
Emphasising the importance of community participation, the DGP asked district police authorities to organise coordination meetings with local peace committees and representatives of different communities to facilitate the smooth conduct of Muharram through mutual cooperation and understanding.
He further instructed all district Superintendents of Police (SPs) to remain fully prepared to handle any emergency situation and maintain close coordination with the local administration and members of the public.
The meeting was attended by Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, DIG (Provisioning) Charan Singh Meena and other senior officers. Range IGs, DIGs and district SPs from across Odisha participated in the review meeting through virtual mode.
