'It is not that we did not have peace committees earlier, but these are set up before any important events. Since this is an important date for us, these committees would give directions how the festival would be celebrated without any untoward incident,' he added.

Police have already stepped up patrolling throughout the district, and all the incoming vehicles are being thoroughly checked. Besides, special police officers from neighboring Rayagada and Gajapati districts have been brought to Kandhamal ahead of the Janmashtami festival.

The police are also planning to carry out preventive arrests if needed.