Bhubaneswar, Mar 27: With Congress gearing up to gherao the Odisha Assembly today in protest against alleged rising incidents of violence against women and atrocities against children, Commissionerate Police have heightened the security measures by deploying 80 platoons of police force, including 10 platoons of women personnel, to maintain law and order situation.
The law enforcement authorities have finalized strategies to tackle any untoward situation and warned that strict action will be taken against the violators.
Heavy police have been deployed at key locations, including AG Square, Lok Seva Bhavan Gate, all four gates of the Assembly, Rabindra Mandap Square, I & PR Square, Lower PMG, and Master Canteen. To counter possible escalations, two fire trucks have been stationed at PMG Square, prepared to use water cannons and tear gas if necessary.
The grand old party is continuing a sit-in protest through the night since Tuesday and has planned a demonstration outside the assembly today. Preparations are being made in full swing, including food arrangements, to serve the large number of workers, who are expected to march in protest and lay siege to the Assembly premises.
Reports anticipate that hundreds of Congress workers from various districts are expected to participate in the protest. To mitigate the situation, plans are underway to detain agitators at the district level before they reach Bhubaneswar.
Late-night police blockades and inspections have been initiated at major entry points of the capital to intercept protestors. Additionally, experienced officers who were involved in handling protests during the 2019 elections have been recalled to assist. These senior officials will be stationed at PMG Square to engage in dialogue with the agitators and prevent escalations.
In anticipation of any untoward incidents, authorities have increased CCTV surveillance across the city, and some key roads have been completely shut down.
Notably, the protest follows the suspension of all 14 Congress MLAs from the assembly for a week due to persistent disorderly conduct inside the House.
After the suspension, Congress members clashed with the police outside the assembly, further heightening political tensions in the state.
Denouncing the suspensions as undemocratic, the Congress has pledged to escalate its agitation with today’s gherao.
