Odisha‘s Cuttack saw violent clashes escalate on Sunday after two communities got into an argument during the Durga Puja idol immersion. the clashes initially broke out between 1:30 am and 2 am on Saturday after some local residents protested against loud music being played during the procession.
The tensions escalated quickly thereafter on Sunday which led to riot-like situation in the city. Rioters also threw stones and set fire in eight to ten places in Cuttack.
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Assistant Fire Officer Sanjeeb Kumar Behera said that the fire was reported near Gouri Shankar Park, and teams quickly put it out. He added that the police have been deployed to bring the situation under control.
36-hour curfew imposed after Internet suspension
Meanwhile, the Odisha government implemented a 36-hour curfew on Sunday after suspending the internet services for 24-hours. Additionally, the use of social media has also been prohibited in the area.
The state home department in an official notice said that the internet services were suspended to stop the spread of “provocative and inflammatory messages” on social media that could disturb peace and public order. The suspension began at 7 PM on Sunday and includes ban on mobile internet, broadband, and all online messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Snapchat.
The order, signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, was issued under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and Rule 2(1) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.
Naveen Patnaik urges peace as tensions escalate
Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik urged people to stay calm and maintain peace in the city. He also shared his concern over the worsening law and order situation.
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Earlier, a large police force was deployed after a clash broke out during the Durga Puja idol immersion in Cuttack. Additional Police Commissioner Narsingh Bholo said that police officers were positioned on rooftops along the route for security.
“We are providing complete police protection. Police have also been deployed on the rooftops of buildings on both sides of the route. We are fully confident and hopeful that it will reach the Debigada without any problems,” Bholo told ANI. |
