Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has increased vigilance along its 480-km-long coastline to prevent people from Bangladesh, which is going through a period of unrest, from entering India. A senior police officer has given information about this. The state of Odisha is located about 200 km from the Bangladesh coast. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar said, "People from Bangladesh used to enter Odisha illegally using small boats. Information received through various sources has revealed that many criminal elements have come out of jails during the unrest in Bangladesh. Those elements can try to infiltrate India. " 

Marine police stations are on 'high alert'

The Additional Director General of Police said that preventing such people from entering India is a priority. Kumar said, "We have put our 18 marine police stations on 'high alert'. The ADG of Coastal Security has set up a control room and the state has deployed all the staff, boats and other equipment at strategic locations." He said that the Additional Director General of Police (Coastal Security) is in touch with the Coast Guard and the Navy. Kumar said, "Our borders should not be used for anti-India and anti-Bangladesh activities. We are keeping a close watch on social media and other means to get additional information." 

Extra vigilance is being taken

The state government has directed the Superintendents of Police of all coastal districts to increase patrolling especially during night hours to prevent illegal entry of outsiders. Another senior official said that more attention is being given to districts like Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Bhadrak. A senior official of the Kendrapara district administration said, "Police and security agencies have increased surveillance on the coastal areas, while the district administration has instructed revenue inspectors and forest officials to keep an eye on the movement of people in the villages near the coastal area." In view of the situation in Bangladesh, Odisha's Additional Chief Secretary (Home) has called a meeting of all stakeholders on Thursday. (Language)