Balasore: The Balasore district administration has imposed curfew in the entire Balasore Municipality area for an indefinite period after two groups clashed near Bhujakhia Pir and pelted stones at each other.
Keeping the intense situation in mind, the administration on Monday night imposed curfew to avert untoward incidents and bring the situation under control.
Besides, the administration has also suspended internet services in some sensitive areas as part of its measures to ward off any unpleasant situation. It has asked owners of shops, schools and other institutions to down their shutters till further order.
Meanwhile, the district administration has appealed to people not to come out of their houses and adhere to curfew rules.
Police forces have been deployed at major junctions to keep peace in the localities coming under the jurisdiction of the Balasore municipality. Also, patrolling has been intensified because of curfew.
According to sources, locals spotted the drain water flowing near the Bhujakhia Pir turning red on Monday. After the news spread like wildfire, people staged a road blockade and held up traffic on Chandipur-Balasore Main Road. However, another community opposed the demonstration.
The matter led to a group clash between people of two communities with the two sides resorting to pelting stones at each other.
On a tip-off, police reached the spot and tried to bring the situation under control.
An emergency meeting was held at 2 am at Balasore Town Police in the presence of Superintendent of Police (SP) Sagarika Nath, Member of Parliament Pratap Sarangi, Sadar MLA Manas Dutta and Balasore Collector Asish Thakre.
Following the meeting, the Balasore district administration then clamped prohibitory orders under Section 144 in the area from Pir Bazar to Patrapada to prevent further violence.
Talking to the media, SP Sagarika Nath said, “As many as 34 persons have been detained in this connection. Besides, 43 platoons of police forces have been deployed at several places. Religious establishments, educational establishments and commercial establishments will remain closed. We request people to stay indoors and cooperate with police. As of now, the situation is under control. Seven FIRs have been registered in this connection. Based on the FIRs, legal action will be taken against people instigating violence.”
