Police conduct a flag march to instil confidence among the people before pujas in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Sept. 30: A flag march by Orissa State Armed Police (OSAP) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) today marked the prelude to the five-day Dussehra festival, which will be celebrated amidst tight security in the Millennium City.

“The flag march was conducted to instil a sense of confidence among the general population that the police has made adequate arrangements for peaceful celebrations,” said deputy commissioner of police Praveen Kumar.

Around eight platoons of OSAP forces, two CRPF companies and 20 officers carried out the flag march through the main streets.

The march started from Buxi Bazar to Puri Ghat via Seikh Bazaar and Chandni Chowk in the morning. Later in the evening, another flag march covered Station Bazaar, College Square and Ranihaat.

Cuttack-Bhubaneswar police officials said that adequate security measures would be taken for peaceful celebrations. Besides this, emphasis has been given to “community is policing”, in which over 500 special police officers (SPOs) have been appointed from various puja committees.

Five SPOs from each puja committee have been picked and special identity cards will be issued to them.

The SPOs will be responsible for ensuring smooth conduct of the festival, maintenance of discipline and better traffic management in their respective areas for the puja starting from October 2.

Dussehra will be observed in more than 150 puja pandals across the city. Goddess Durga will be worshipped in over 80 puja pandals while 49 would have Hara Parbati as presiding deities.

Preparations have almost reached the final stages at various puja pandals.