Phulbani: Security arrangements have been beefed up in the communally sensitive Kandhamal district to ensure trouble free celebration, ahead of the Christmas revelry. With only a day left for the mega religious event, preparations are also on full swing.
Patrolling squads and police have been put on alert on all major check-points.
“Vehicle checking entering and exiting the district has started. As many as 21 platoons of police forces have been deployed,” Kandhamal SP Pratik Singh said adding besides police protection forces will be deployed in every area. Moreover, police have intensified patrolling in Maoist sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incident during this festive season, he added.
On the other hand, the Christian community prepares to celebrate the festival with more enthusiasm and renewed spirit. The grand festival of Christian community will be marked through different activities ranging from official gatherings to cake cutting accompanied with music and dance.
The churches are also being renovated and decorated beautifully for the joyous occasion. The Baptist and Catholic Churches are being decorated for the occasion, even as people have immersed themselves in the festive mood.
“We have been practicing songs and dances for Christmas. We will celebrate as per the traditions. We have groups here and will organise programmes on that day,” said one of the participants.
On the other hand, Father Nabakishore of Catholic Church in Phulbani said, “we want to celebrate the festival peacefully. We have started decorating the church and pray that this Christmas will bring all the happiness and peace for all the human being.”
The tribal organisation Kui Samaj Samanwaya Samity (KSSS) will celebrate the day as Saheed Dibas at Barkhama, remembering Khageswar Mallick, who was killed in the village December 25, 2007, in the Kandhamal riots.
PNN