Security beefed up for Martyrs' Week

Security beefed up for Martyrs' Week

Statesman News Service

PARALAKHEMUNDI, July 27: Police has been put on high alert in naxal-infested areas, as Martyrs’ Week observed every year by the CPI (Maoist) organisation, starts from tomorrow. All vehicles are being checked along the Orissa-Andhra Pradesh border.
The fear among people here has become more profound, after the killing of eight hardcore radicals, in the Nallamala forests of Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, where police have managed to liquidate the most high-profile Maoist leader, Madhav, and there is every chance that there will be retaliations.

When, where and how is the question on everybody's mind now. Andhra Pradesh police are alert and there is heavy checking and frisking on Andhra Pradesh-Orissa border roads, with gun-toting policemen maintaining a strict vigil at all points.
All roads leading to Palasa, Srikakulam, Vishakapatnam, Vizianagaram, etc are now being manned by armed police, who stop all vehicles, irrespective of the fact whether they are private or government vehicles.

Police have advised the elected representatives of all categories to maintain secrecy and not to venture out at night. Union minister for labour, Mr Chandra Sekhar Sahu has been asked not to come to Gajapati, during the Martyrs' Week, and a proposed Focus Village programme, scheduled to be held in naxal-infested Sapalaguda village of the Mohona block, was cancelled at the last moment due to security concerns.

There is continuous patrolling and combing operation in Gajapati district forest areas, and it is understood that AP police are also participating in the operation.
Police sources said that they are fully prepared and vigilant. Police here has been reinforced by the arrival of another CRPF platoon. With this, there are two CRPF contingents in the district, besides OSAP. Police are using private unmarked cars and jeeps.

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