"There was no untoward incident at any place in Kandhamal. We have taken steps to ensure that peace is maintained across the district," Director General of Police Manmohan Praharaj, who has been camping in Kandhamal for two days, told PTI over phone.
Over 2,000 security personnel, including the Central Reserve Police Force, Orissa Special Strike Force, Special Operations Group, Orissa State Armed Police and Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force have been deployed, while the district administration has refused permission to rallies and dharnas.
"People observed the day at their villages instead of participating in a silent rally proposed by VHP," the DGP said.
The VHP observed the anniversary as 'Sacrifice Day' in the district. People who felt insecure were asked to take shelter in camps, he said.
Maoist posters warning certain Hindu leaders to refrain from observing Saraswati's death anniversary were seen at Tumudibandh, Daringbadi and Kotgarh areas of the district.
The DGP said "We suspect it to be handiwork of anti-socials and not Maoists."
