Security has been tightened in Orissa’s Kandhamal district to avoid untoward incidents during the Christmas celebrations.
At least 10 companies of armed police forces have been deployed in every nook and corner of the communally-sensitive district as Kui Samaj, a local forum of tribals, decided to observe the day as Martyr’s Day.
Selected police officials have been mobilised from other districts to keep a tight vigil in different areas and all entry points to the district have been sealed for security reasons.
Although the Kui Samaj Samamanway Samiti (KSSS) had initially resolved to observe bandh in the district on Saturday, it withdrew its decision following several rounds of discussions with the district administration.
Addressing a press conference on Friday evening at Phulbani, the district headquarters of Kandhamal, KSSS secretary Lambodhar Kanhar said: “We have withdrawn the decision to observe the bandh on Christmas. But we’ll go ahead with observing the annual martyr’s day on the very day peacefully. We will also cooperate with Christian brothers and sisters to celebrate Christmas with pomp and gaiety. If some elements try to create any disturbances, our organisation will not tolerate it.”