Odisha's Balasore town is under curfew from midnight of June 17 to midnight of June 18 after a violent clash between two groups. The district administration has also suspended internet services in sensitive areas and urged residents to remain indoors. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed Balasore Collector Ashish Thakare to take immediate measures to restore order.
Cause of the clash
The conflict erupted on Monday when a group protested against animal sacrifice, leading to a stone-pelting incident by another group. The altercation occurred in the Bhujakhia Pir area.
Law enforcement response
Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar is overseeing the situation on the ground. Police conducted a flag march and have arrested about 30 individuals. All entry points to OT Road are closed, and residents are restricted from leaving their homes except for medical emergencies.
"All entry points to the OT Road are closed," police said, adding that "No person shall leave their homes or shall move on foot, by vehicle or travel except for emergency medical aid." Balasore SP Sagarika Nath said, "Curfew has been clamped in the Balasore municipality area. All commercial establishments and shops are to remain closed."
"Adequate police arrangements in the sensitive areas have been made, and the situation is getting under control, though some sporadic violence was reported in some places yesterday," said a senior police officer.
Commercial shutdown
Balasore SP Sagarika Nath confirmed that all commercial establishments and shops within the municipality are closed. Enhanced police presence has been established in sensitive areas, and officials report that the situation is gradually being brought under control despite sporadic incidents of violence.
Deputy CM reacts
Meanwhile, the Balasore district administration has imposed Section 144 of CrPC. Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh says, "I would like to appeal to the public of Balasore to restore peace and calm and maintain communal harmony among themselves. The govt also wants that everything should be sorted out amicably. Govt has taken all measures and the process is being monitored by DGP & Chief Secretary and they are briefing the CM from time to time."
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