Odisha on high alert after threat of terror attack

Bhubaneswar, Jan 22 (IANS) The Odisha government has put all 30 districts in the state on high alert after intelligence agencies warned of attacks by Pakistan-based militant groups.

"We have asked police, including director-general of police and intelligence director, to remain alert over the possible attack. All 30 districts have been put on high alert," Odisha Special Secretary (Home) Lalit Das told reporters here.

He said 18 marine police stations in the state have also been asked to remain in a state of high alert.

"Security forces have been asked to keep an eye on crowded public places and meeting venues, which are more vulnerable to terrorist attacks," said Das.

Director General of Police Sanjeev Marik said all superintendents of police have been asked to be on high alert.

"We have asked police in 30 districts to remain in a state of alert. We have identified some sensitive places in the state and some districts where the threat perception is higher have been asked to maintain stricter vigil," he said.

He said police are taking all precautionary measures to prevent a possible attack in the state.

"It may not necessarily be a big attack. But the threat of a small attack is definitely there," Marik said.

According to police, two members of the Indian Mujahideen had come to Bhubaneswar a few months ago and had stayed in a hotel in Bhubaneswar.

"Some had visited Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri. They were subsequently arrested. Threat perception is there, we cannot rule it out. But we are taking precautionary measures to deal with such situations," said Cuttack-Bhubaneswar police commissioner R.K. Sharma.

The coastal agencies have also been asked to remain on alert as Odisha has a 480 km coastal area.

Besides Odisha, intelligence agencies have also warned of attacks in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.