Odisha Steps Up Vigil Along Coastline to Prevent Influx from Turmoil-Hit Bangladesh

GG News Bureau
Bhubaneswar, 8th August. Amid unrest in Bangladesh, the Odisha government has intensified surveillance along its 480-kilometer coastline to prevent the illegal entry of individuals from the neighboring country, a senior police officer reported on Thursday. Odisha is situated approximately 200 kilometers from the Bangladesh coast.

“People from Bangladesh used to enter Odisha illegally using small boats. According to information received through different channels, many criminal elements have been released from jails during the unrest in Bangladesh. These individuals may attempt to sneak into India,” stated Sanjay Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order).

Kumar emphasized that the priority is to prevent the entry of such individuals into India. “We have put our 18 marine police stations on high alert. The ADG Coastal Security has opened a control room, and the state has deployed all employees, boats, and other equipment at strategic locations,” he added.

The additional director general of police (coastal security) is in regular contact with the Coast Guard and Navy to bolster the state’s efforts. “Our borders should not be utilized for anti-India and anti-Bangladesh activities. We have been closely monitoring social media and other channels to gather additional information,” Kumar said.

The state government has directed the superintendents of police in all coastal districts to enhance patrolling, especially during nighttime, to prevent illegal immigration. The focus is on districts like Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Bhadrak, a senior official mentioned.

“The police and security agencies have intensified vigilance along the coastlines, while the district administration has instructed revenue inspectors and forest officials to monitor the movement of people in villages near the coastline,” a senior official from the Kendrapara district administration noted.

In light of the situation in Bangladesh, Odisha’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home) has convened a meeting of all stakeholders on Thursday to coordinate the state’s response and ensure heightened security measures are in place.