SPs asked to step up vigil, maintain peace & harmony

Bhubaneswar: In response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror strike, Odisha police have issued a state-wide alert directing all SPs to maintain heightened vigilance against potential communal disturbances. The directive came as the Centre began serving "quit-India" notices to Pakistani nationals across the country, including 12 in Odisha, sources said.
State police headquarters has instructed SPs to pay special attention to areas with significant minority population and monitor any sign of communal unrest. "We have asked all SPs to keep a close watch on sensitive areas and take preventive measures to maintain peace and harmony," said a senior police officer on the condition of anonymity. The officer emphasised that this is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all communities.
Nine police districts have been identified as requiring particular attention: Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Balasore, Bhadrak, Sundargarh, Rourkela, Kendrapara, Khurda and Cuttack. These areas have witnessed communal tension in the past and are being monitored more closely.
Local police units have been instructed to increase patrolling in sensitive areas and maintain regular communication with community leaders. Intelligence units have also been activated to monitor social media platforms for any content that could potentially trigger communal discord.
"We are working closely with community leaders and local representatives to ensure peace is maintained," said another police officer from one of the sensitive districts. "Our focus is on preventing any kind of misunderstanding or tension between communities."
Police have also urged citizens to remain calm and not pay heed to rumours or unverified information, especially on social media platforms. SPs have been advised to float special helpline numbers for citizens to report any suspicious activities or potential threats to communal harmony.
"The govt assures that all necessary measures are being taken to protect the interests of all communities while maintaining law and order in the state. Trouble mongers disrupting communal harmony and spreading hatred on social media platforms will not be spared," the senior police officer said.