Latest news with #SSMSV
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Unprecedented security cover in Odisha's Puri for Jagannath temple as India-Pakistan tensions
In response to heightened India-Pakistan tensions, Odisha Police have significantly increased security at Puri and the Jagannath Temple BHUBANESWAR: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, the Odisha Police on Friday placed the tourist destination Puri and the Jagannath Temple under unprecedented security cover. Armed police personnel took positions around the 12th-century shrine, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims annually and is considered among the potential high-risk targets in the country. On Tuesday, the National Security Guard (NSG) conducted a comprehensive security inspection at the iconic Jagannath Temple. The security audit focused particularly on anti-terror measures and crowd management during major festivals, including Rath Yatra, scheduled to be celebrated on 27 June. At least 240 police personnel have been deployed in and around the temple. Recently, the Odisha government accelerated the process of appointing officers for the newly raised Swatantra Shree Mandir Surakshya Vahini (SSMSV) at the Jagannath Temple. Operation Sindoor Air siren warning sounded in Chandigarh, residents advised to stay indoors J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan on high alert after Pak's failed drone attacks Conflict widens, India targets Lahore, Pindi, Karachi after foiling multiple Pakistani attacks The SSMSV comprises 1,083 armed personnel, including 720 sepoys and 240 havildars, along with other ranked officers. The SSMSV will coordinate with the National Security Guard for regular anti-terror drills. Their responsibilities include managing crises, contingencies, and unexpected situations arising from terrorism, extremism, and hostage scenarios targeting the Jagannath Temple. "We are on full alert mode. Proper checking and frisking of devotees are being carried out. We urge them to cooperate with the police during this emergency situation. Anti-sabotage personnel are conducting regular checks around the temple. Security teams are continuously monitoring CCTV footage at the command centre," Puri SP, Vinit Agrawal, said. For tourist safety, police authorities have intensified inspections at hotels and accommodation facilities near the beach. Hotel operators have been advised to notify the police about suspicious guests and have been instructed to properly verify guests' identification documents. Security checkpoints have been established at Puri's entry and exit points for thorough vehicle inspections. "Patrolling has been intensified along the Puri coastline, and marine fishing communities are alerted to keep a hawk's eye on vessels," a police official said.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt speeds up appointments for Puri temple security force
Bhubaneswar: The escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror strike has prompted the state govt to accelerate the process of appointing officers for the newly raised security force of the Puri Jagannath Temple . The govt aims to make the Swatantra Shree Mandir Surakshya Vahini (SSMSV) functional within a month, ensuring its deployment before the Rath Yatra on June 27, which is expected to draw more than 10 lakh devotees. According to an order from the state police headquarters on Friday, seen by TOI, the govt has appointed one commandant, two deputy commandants, and three assistant commandants for the unit, directing them to join their new posts by Monday. ADG (headquarters) Dawal Gangwar told TOI, "The newly appointed officers will be relieved from their previous positions immediately. Movement orders have been issued, directing them to join the new place of posting on or before July 28 without availing any further joining time." The previous govt had announced the dedicated security battalion on Dec 25, 2023. The BJP govt named it as SSMSV in Dec 2024. The appointment process that did not start has now been fast-tracked in the backdrop of the India-Pakistan tensions. The force comprises 1,083 armed personnel, including 720 sepoys and 240 havildars, alongside other ranked officers. ADG (special armed police) Rajesh Kumar told TOI, "Since the appointment process has started, we plan to make SSMSV operational very soon. The dedicated force is likely to take guard in and around the temple before Rath Yatra, which is on June 27." Puri SP Vinit Agrawal said, "SSMSV will function under the operational control of the SP and administrative control of the commandant. The process has started to identify office space and accommodation for the SSMSV personnel." Sources said the recruitment strategy excludes direct appointments to SSMSV. Personnel will be posted on deployment tenure from the armed force wing, civil police and other establishments, with provisions for temporary deputation from central paramilitary forces. The DGP will determine the SSMSV's uniform and logo shortly. The force's primary responsibility includes comprehensive security for the Jagannath Temple, Shree Gundicha Temple, Parikrama Marg, Mausi Maa Temple, Badadanda, Shree Marg and surrounding sensitive areas. Training will focus on neutralising potential threats to the Jagannath Temple. "SSMSV will coordinate with the National Security Guard for regular anti-terror drills. Their responsibilities encompass managing crises, contingencies and unexpected situations arising from terrorism, extremism and hostage scenarios targeting Jagannath Temple," another police officer said.
