Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said that his government will take strong action against those who are whipping up violence in the name of religion in the state.
The Odisha CM said this while inspecting several areas in the state where violence took place last week following derogatory remarks on Hindu gods posted on social media.
"All accused persons responsible for the violent incidents will be punished as per the law. Further, our state government will take strong steps to counter the divisive forces creating discord and violence in the name of religion," the Chief Minister told the media.
He said appropriate compensation will be provided to those having suffered loss in the communal violence.
He ordered the district administration to assess the loss in three days and rehabilitate the affected shopkeepers by opening vending zones soon.
Meanwhile, internet and bus services in the town have been restored and normalcy is gradually returning to the town. Educational institutions and other establishments in the town re-opened.
The district administration also relaxed the curfew for nine hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The cyber cell of the Odisha Police Crime Branch identified and interrogated five persons for circulating rumours and objectionable materials on social media, which led to violence in the town.
Crime Branch Special Director General B.K. Sharma said all the five persons belong to Bhadrak.
(With IANS inputs)
