The 10 serial blasts not only rocked the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, but also shattered the peace in Bihar – one of the key eastern states in India. With terrorists shifting their base from Uttar Pradesh to Bihar, there is an alarm for Odisha, which so far remained a peaceful state and never witnessed terror activities.

Odisha, which is proud of its rich cultural heritage, including grand temples and Buddhist structures, could be on the radar of the terrorists. The Puri Jagannath Temple, Lingaraj Temple (Bhubaneswar), Dhauli Stupa, Khandagiri, Udaygiri, Ratnagiri and many other such places in Odisha could be targeted by the terrorists if the government does not remain vigilant.

Millions of pilgrims visit Odisha every year to get a glimpse of its heritage and cultural extravaganza. As the Odisha police failed to curb the violent activities in the state, including twin cities Bhubaneswar and Cuttack and holy city Puri in the recent months, a huge question mark has been raised on their efficiency, sincere efforts to control the crime and restore law and order.

In the wake of Bodhgaya blasts, the government, administration and security personnel as well as the intelligence agencies need to remain alert and take all preventive measures to foil any such evil design that would disturb the peace and harmony in the state.