Odisha secures Hanuman Jayanti, other festivals

Odisha has implemented extensive security measures for Hanuman Jayanti, Maha Bishuba Sankranti, Ambedkar Jayanti, and Odia New Year celebrations. The state government has deployed 200 platoons of force, 10 companies of central armed police, and installed 650 CCTV cameras and 40 AI-enabled drones to ensure peaceful celebrations, with heightened security in vulnerable areas. Special focus is on Sambalpur, which experienced violence last year, with 50 platoons deployed. Authorities are monitoring social media, conducting flag marches, and deploying plainclothes officers to maintain order and prevent the spread of misinformation during the coinciding festivals.