Security beefed up in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR - Security has been strengthened around vital installations in Orissa after 24 policemen were killed in a Maoist attack Monday in neighbouring West Bengal and ten people were killed in a blast triggered by terrorists Saturday in Maharashtra’s Pune city.

“Security has been beefed up around all the places in the state which are vulnerable to attacks,” a senior state home department official told IANS Wednesday.

This eastern state is home to several defence establishments and ancient archaeological monuments which officials feel the terrorists may target.

Maoists are active in more than half of the state’s 30 districts and have carried out several deadly attacks on police and government establishments in the past.

“We have increased the strength of policemen at police stations and police camps located in the interior areas which are prone to Maoist attacks. Besides, security has been increased in all vital installations and important places which could be the possible targets of terrorists,” the official said without disclosing details of the measures.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday reviewed the security measures in a meeting in state capital Bhubaneswar.

An official who attended the meeting said the government has decided to set up a fire station soon, equipped with all modern gadgets and machineries, at the 12th century Jagannath temple at Puri, about 56 km from here.

“All the 14 closed circuit televisions (CCTV) installed inside the temple will be upgraded,” he added.

The coast guard would be asked to increase frequency of patrolling along the Puri coast, he said, adding, that security at Puri beach would also be tightened.