India, Oct. 7 -- Ahead of the 12-hour statewide bandh called by the Congress-led INDIA bloc in Odisha on Thursday, the state government on Wednesday put all District Collectors and Magistrates on alert to prevent any law-and-order situation.

The Home (Special Branch) Department wrote to the Collectors and District Magistrates in thrs regard. The letter asked them to take preventive and precautionary security measures to maintain law and order. It also asked them to remain alert against any untoward incident during the general strike on October 8.

The authorities were directed to make requisite arrangements for the smooth functioning of Central and state government offices across Odisha. Priority was also given to maintaining essential ...