June 19th 2024.
In Balasore, a town in northern Odisha, a curfew has been in place for two days due to a clash between two groups over animal slaughter. According to an official, 10 people were injured in the incident. The administration will be reviewing the situation tonight and will make a decision on whether to extend the curfew or not.
As a result of the curfew, all commercial establishments, private and government-run institutions remain closed. The entry points to Balasore town have also been sealed off. The state government has taken additional measures by suspending internet services in the town until June 20 at 10 am in order to prevent the spread of rumors. According to a Home department official, this action was taken because the situation is becoming critical and some people are using social media to spread false and inflammatory messages, which could disrupt public order.
In response to the situation, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has urged citizens to maintain peace. He has also directed the district administration to take all necessary measures to restore normalcy in Balasore town. Despite the curfew, certain exemptions have been made for candidates appearing in exams, government officials, court staff and those involved in essential services as long as they can provide valid ID proof.
According to Additional Director-General of Police Sanjay Kumar, 35 people have been arrested for rioting and violating curfew norms. To further maintain peace, six companies of central forces have been deployed to sensitive areas and are currently en route to Balasore. In addition, the police are on high alert and closely monitoring the situation. So far, seven FIRs have been registered.
On Tuesday evening, security forces conducted a flag march in sensitive areas as a confidence building exercise, according to Balasore Collector Ashish Thakare. He also assured that the situation is under control and steps are being taken to restore peace in the town. Balasore SP Sagarika Nath has reported that around 40 platoons of police force have been deployed and the situation is being closely monitored.
The communal violence began on Monday when some individuals found blood-stained water in a drain and staged a road blockade. The situation escalated when the two groups engaged in intense stone-pelting, resulting in 10 injuries. Even some police personnel suffered injuries while trying to control the mob.
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