Sundargarh: Residents from all communities in Sundargarh came together on Sunday in a peace procession aimed at restoring harmony and promoting communal unity in the city following a recent violent clash.
The procession was organised by the district administration and saw participation from District Magistrate Dr. Subhankar Mohapatra, SP AmritPal Kaur, Deputy Magistrates, Additional Magistrates, Additional SP, and other district-level officials.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Mohapatra said, “After the group clash on January 15 and the peace committee meeting held on January 16, today’s procession demonstrates the collective commitment of the people to restore fraternity in Sundargarh. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and harmony in the city.”
SP AmritPal Kaur also urged citizens to respect the law.
“This procession is a message to the people of Sundargarh to live peacefully, maintain fraternity, and not take the law into their own hands,” she said.
The march began at Regent Market and concluded at Atal Chowk, passing through Sunaripada and Rangadhipa Chowk. Participants carried banners and placards urging an end to violence and promoting unity among communities.
The event follows the January 15 clash, which left 12 people injured. The incident erupted after rumors about wrongdoing by members of a particular community spread, leading an agitated group to vandalise a shop, set a pickup van on fire, and damage other vehicles.
The confrontation escalated, with stones thrown and swords reportedly used. Internet services were suspended for 24 hours, and four people were arrested.
A peace meeting held on January 16, attended by Dr. Mohapatra and DIG (Western Range) Brijesh Kumar Rai, helped defuse tensions, and prohibitory orders were lifted following the discussions.
The district administration and citizens have appealed for continued peace, urging everyone to uphold communal harmony and contribute to a safe, violence-free Sundargarh.
