Bhubaneswar: Republic Day was celebrated across Odisha with patriotic fervour, defying the boycott call by Maoists.

Governor S.C. Jamir unfurled the national flag at the state-level Republic Day function here, while chief minister Naveen Patnaik addressed the gathering in Cuttack.

In view of the rebels' boycott call, tight security arrangements were made in the Left wing extremism-affected districts such as Malkangiri, Rayagada, Koraput, Kandhamal, Balangir and Gajapati. "Elaborate security arrangements were made for smooth Republic Day celebrations across Odisha," said director-general of police Rajendra Prasad Sharma.

"Despite the Maoist call for boycott, the celebrations remained peaceful without any untoward incidents reported from any part so far," said Sharma. At the function here, there was a colourful parade with participation of 58 contingents of state police, CRPF and other paramilitary forces, NCC and civilian troupes from various colleges and schools. Eight colourful tableaux were taken out displaying Odisha's rich culture and progress made in various sectors.

To counter any unforeseen attack from the terrorist groups during the parade, 12 commandos of the National Security Guard were deployed for the first time to guard Mahatma Gandhi Marg, the venue of the state-level function. "At least 25 platoons of police were deployed to take care of the law and order situation," said police commissioner Y.B. Khurania.

Specialised Quick Action Force team of the police was also deployed in the city. The venue for the Republic Day function at Mahatma Gandhi Marg was kept under CCTV surveillance to maintain a strict vigil. Sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squads were also deployed, while sharp shooters were posted.

In Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal and Kalahandi, where the Red rebels had asked the people to observe the day as "black day", special security measures were taken to ensure incident-free celebrations. Posters were seen in a couple of places in Rayagada district, asking people to boycott the Republic Day celebrations and observe it as a "black day".