Raipur, Chhattisgarh: The inter-state officials emphasised on conducting joint operations against Maoist activities in the inter-state border areas. It was also decided to take effective action to stop the supply network in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

As part of administrative preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, in the presence of Divisional Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Alang and Raipur Inspector General of Police Amresh Mishra, an inter-state coordination meeting was held with the officials of the border state of Odisha through video conferencing.

Law and order during Lok Sabha elections, stopping criminal activities and joint operations in Maoist affected areas were discussed. The IG and Divisional Commissioner of Sambalpur Range along with Collectors and Superintendents of Police of Mahasamund, Gariaband and Dhamtari districts of Raipur division and Koraput, Kalahandi, Balangir, Malkangiri, Navrangpur, Bargad, Nuapada districts of Odisha state were present.

Dr. Alang stressed on increasing coordination at sub-divisional officer level, police station level and district level to conduct the upcoming Lok Sabha elections with better coordination.

Emphasizing on rapid exchange of information, he talked about forming a WhatsApp group.

There was discussion on setting up permanent and temporary-mobile checkposts on inter-state borders and effective coordination to prevent illegal transportation of drugs during elections. A strategy was also decided to curb illegal transportation of liquor, cash, weapons, gold and silver as well as other materials during the elections.

Dr. Alang also drew attention to keeping an eye on the illegal storage of intoxicants, liquor, ganja etc. as well as the storage of large quantities of materials like cash, sarees, utensils etc. He stressed on prompt exchange of information so that timely action can be taken on incidents occurring during elections.

IG Amresh Mishra said that the list of about 300 having warrant issued and residents of Odisha, under interstate criminals list will be handed over to the border districts, so that monitoring can be done by the police in their districts also. He also stressed on making separate arrangements for security in view of the movement of special and VIP representatives and people during the elections. Mishra expressed the need to run a joint operation to prevent Maoist activities.