Odisha Assures Preparedness Amid Regional Tensions, Urges Public Not to Panic
Bhubaneswar, May 10 — The Odisha government has called on residents to remain calm, assuring that the state is fully prepared to handle any emergencies, especially in light of recent regional tensions. This assurance came after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi led a high-level security review meeting on Saturday focused on the state’s preparedness along its 511-kilometre Bay of Bengal coastline.Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, addressing the media after the meeting, said, “There is no need for panic. The state is well-equipped to handle any situation.” He added that Odisha is maintaining close coordination with the central government and armed forces, including the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary units.
Strategic Installations Secured, Forces on High Alert
Pujari highlighted that stringent security measures are in place at critical locations such as the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. The Chief Minister has instructed all departments to enhance surveillance efforts and leave no margin for error in the state's overall security preparedness."The state’s preparedness should be doubled, and there should be no scope for chance," Pujari asserted.
Intelligence Sharing and Coastal Vigilance Intensified
Additional Director General (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar said the Odisha Police are closely collaborating with central intelligence agencies. "We are focused on strengthening surveillance along the eastern coast, especially monitoring drone activity," he noted, while also urging the public to stay alert and avoid panic.ADG (Coastal Security) Arun Bothra added that Odisha Police is in constant touch with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. "We have made additional deployments and engaged 142 ex-Navy personnel as Special Police Officers (SPOs) across 18 marine police stations," he said, confirming that intensive sea patrolling operations are ongoing.
Ceasefire Agreement Announced Later in the Day
Although the heightened security measures were introduced in response to the India-Pakistan conflict, the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both countries later agreed to cease all military actions on land, air, and sea starting from 5 pm on Saturday.The Odisha government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and maintaining vigilant coordination with national defense and intelligence networks.