Cuttack, Oct. 6 (UDN): Odisha Police are gearing up to ensure the upcoming student union elections across the state are conducted peacefully, with Director General of Police (DGP) Vinaytosh Mishra stressing the need to keep outsiders away from the electoral process.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 71st State Police Duty Meet at the Reserve Police Ground in Buxi Bazaar on Tuesday, the DGP said the police machinery is fully prepared to maintain law and order during the campus elections.

Mishra expressed confidence that the elections would be held in a peaceful atmosphere, marked by harmony and brotherhood among students.

According to the DGP, district Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been directed to closely monitor the situation around educational institutions and take necessary steps to prevent any external interference in the elections.

“Outsiders should not get involved in student union elections,” Mishra said, drawing from his experience as a district SP. He noted that campus elections can be conducted smoothly when external elements stay away from the process.

The DGP also stressed the importance of handling student unrest through counselling and guidance rather than allowing minor incidents to escalate.

Meanwhile, the state police are set to review the security arrangements at colleges and universities. A video conference with all district SPs is scheduled to assess preparations and identify potential law-and-order challenges ahead of the elections.

The police focus, officials indicated, will remain on maintaining a peaceful campus environment while ensuring that students are able to participate in the electoral process without external pressure or disruption.