India's 66th Republic Day celebrated peacefully in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: The 66th Republic Day was celebrated across Odisha with gaiety and enthusiasm amid tight security today with the state government affirming its commitment to make the state prosperous.

Governor S C Jamir unfurled the tri-colour at the main function on the majestic Mahatma Gandhi Road in the state capital, while Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik did so at the historic Barabati stadium in Cuttack.

After taking salute at an impressive parade at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Patnaik said an atmosphere for development has been created and the government was committed to build a prosperous and advanced Odisha through a series of programmes and welfare schemes.

Highlighting the significance of democratic and secular values, the Chief Minister said proper development of states would be possible by strengthening the federal set up.

Describing gender discrimination as dangerous, he said the state government was taking concrete steps for empowerment of women and providing security to the girl child.

The state government had sounded a high alert in all the districts after the Intelligence Bureau warned about the possible terror attack in Odisha and some other states.

The SPs of all the districts were asked to be on alert, while all the 18 marine police stations are told to be extra vigilant, according to DGP Sanjeev Marik.

In view of Maoists' call for observing the day as 'black day', security has been tightened in southern and western regions with intensive patrolling by security forces and sealing of borders with neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

"We made all arrangements to deal with any situation and ensure a peaceful celebration of the Republic Day," said Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra.

Similarly, Kandhamal district SP K V Singh said all security camps were alerted, checking of vehicles undertaken and patrolling by police intensified.