The Odisha government has asked superintendents of police of all coastal districts to strengthen patrolling, especially during the night, to prevent entry of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh through sea routes in view of the political turmoil in the country.
Sanjay Kumar, additional director general of police (law and order), confirmed that their focus is to prevent entry of illegal immigrants into the state, especially Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur and Bhadrak districts.
“All 18 marine police stations have been asked to remain alert and to monitor any movement on sea routes along the coasts of Odisha. The central government has also sounded an alert to the coast guards. The SPs of coastal districts and ADG, coastal security, have been closely monitoring the situation,” Kumar told The Indian Express.
A 24×7 control room has been opened in the office of the ADG, coastal security, to coordinate with various agencies on the situation and to secure the seacoast.
“There are chances that criminal elements, after committing crimes in their country, may enter our territory in small groups through sea routes. We have directed to increase vigil in the habitations near the coastal areas,” said Kumar.
Odisha has a long 480-kilometre coastline, and illegal immigrants from Bangladesh generally reach Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur using sea routes, often in fishing trawlers, officials said.
Kendrapada district collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas said that while the police and security agencies have strengthened vigil on coastlines, the district administration has directed revenue inspectors and forest officials to keep a tab on movement of people in villages near the coastline.
“The revenue and forest officials have been asked to report to the district administration if they notice anything suspicious,” said the district collector.
Though a court-endorsed committee comprising top officials from the Odisha government, which was formed to oversee wetland conservation and protection in the state, had in August 2019 suggested that the state government move the Centre to implement the National Register of Citizens in Kendrapada district, the plan could not make any headway.
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