Bhubaneswar: Odisha, which will host the DG-IG conference for the first time for three days from Nov 29 to Dec 1, will see DGs of all states and of central forces deliberating on national security and the new challenges faced by police. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah will attend the conference and speak to the top police brass.They will stay in the state capital for three days for the conference, marking the longest stay of the top two dignitaries in Odisha ever.
"This is a three-day conference of DG-IG. Odisha will host it and DG-IGs of all states and Union territories will participate. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will also grace the occasion. In-depth discussion on security-related issues will be discussed. The deliberation will include a 360-degree view of all aspects of security," DGP Y B Khurania told the media in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
Officials said security-related issues pertaining to both internal and external matters will be the major focus area. Although senior police officers have not confirmed the exact agenda and topics on which discussions will be held, sources said problems of left-wing extremism (LWE) are on the cards. Police in Odisha and neighbouring Chhattisgarh achieved success in eliminating Maoists in some recent operations.
Nearly four years after Boudh district was declared Maoist-free, the Centre again in March included it in the LWE-affected list and treated it as a security related expenditure (SRE) district. Boudh, Koraput, and Bargarh have been categorised as districts of legacy and thrust. Nuapada and Malkangiri districts are treated as districts of concern, while Kalahandi and Kandhamal are considered the most affected districts.
Police officers said thrust districts are those where there is scope for expanding Maoist activities, and hence more focus and planning are required to carry out anti-Maoist operations as well as sensitising people. Recently, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi sought 12 companies of additional security forces and helicopters to combat the Maoist menace in the state.
As far as emerging challenges are concerned, cybercrimes and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create deepfakes are significant. Cybercrime's scope expanded so much that PM Modi recently spoke about digital arrest. The discussion may include how to check and detect crimes using various AI tools. This requires training and capacity building of police personnel, officials said.
Massive security arrangements and other logistics have been put in place for a hassle-free meet. For the accommodation of dignitaries, police made arrangements for the past month. Since the PM will be here for three days, there could be traffic restrictions in the capital city during his movement too.