Security stepped up in Saranda

ROURKELA: Determined not to allow the Maoist guerillas to regroup in the dense Saranda forest, the Jharkhand Police have stepped up security exercise with their Odisha counterpart keeping a close watch on the bordering pockets of Sundargarh district.The fresh security measures are being seen as a move to further sanitise the ‘core areas’ ahead of the Central team visit. The Rural Development Ministry is all set to implement Saranda Action Plan in 56 villages as a ‘peace offensive’ to tame internal insurgency.  Sources said two CRPF contingents from Jharkhand arrived at Bhalulata railway station here on Saturday and Monday and headed for the vulnerable pockets of Saranda including Digha,                            Baliva, Tirilposh and Thalkobad. Rourkela-based DIG (WR) YK Jethwa said vulnerable pockets of Sundargarh are under strict surveillance to prevent infiltration when the Jharkhand forces mount pressure in Saranda again.   On Sunday, the visiting CRPF Additional Director-General PM Nair said the Home Ministry had agreed for additional forces at Saranda. In such a scenario, the CRPF would permanently camp inside the forest, he added.