New Delhi: OdishaAfter denying the permission of the police for a bike rally organized by a group, on Sunday, fresh communal tension and violent clashes were seen. The conflict increased, causing stone pelting, arson, and a police action, which left at least 25 people, including eight police personnel. Officials on Sunday implemented 36 hours of curfew and suspended internet services to prevent further disturbance with rioters at eight to ten places.Since the atmosphere in Cuttack is highly stressful, protesters occupied major roads on Sunday, concluding a call for a cutting bond on Monday. During the rally, the protesters were heard raising provocative slogans demanding “unique Hindu-cavalry identity” for the city.
Damage caused during clashes in Cuttack. (PTI photo)
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the clash of the group and urged all citizens to maintain peace and order.
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How should officers handle conditions like Cuttack Clash?
“Cuttack, with its rich thousand years of history, stands as a will for unity and brotherhood. However, in recent times, peace in the city was interrupted by some miscreants, which affects the daily life of common people. The government is monitoring these miscreants and will take strict action against them,” reads CM’s statement.
Did the clash triggers?
Violent confrontation in Cuttack stemped from a series of events that started during the Durga Idol immersion procession late Friday and proceeded on Sunday.The tension broke at around 2 pm on the night of Friday-Saturday at around 2 pm, when the procession of Jhanjirimangala Bhagat Pooja Committee was going towards Devigada for the immersion of Goddess Durga. Local residents allegedly objected to the music with the procession, instigating a warm argument between the two groups. The situation in the form of stones and glass bottles was quickly excluded from control, converting the area into a conflict area.The police were forced to resort to a stick-charge to disperse the mob. Many people were injured in the scuffle, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishikesh Khillary, who retained the forehead injury after hitting a stone.
After clashes in Cuttack, the seats turned into stress. (PTI)
After this incident, the police increased security in the city amid fears of communal tension. On Sunday, an organization sought permission to rally a bike, but the authorities denied it citing a delicate situation after the earlier clash. Despite the refusal, some group members tried to move forward with the rally, resulting in a new confrontation with the police.As the rally participants clashed with the security forces, the stone pelting started again, injuring several police personnel. The unrest spread to the surrounding areas, with reports of fire at many places. The authorities eventually used force to disperse the crowd, imposed 36 hours of curfew and suspended internet services to restore the order in the city.“Today, an organization in Cuttack requested permission to organize a bike rally, but denied it. This led to a conflict with the police. When the police implemented them that they would not be allowed to pass through the road, as it could cause communal tension. Eight policemen were injured in stone. These persons were later dispersed using force, “Police Commissioner Suresh Debdutt Singh told the news agency ANI.
Curfews were imposed and internet suspended
After the clashes, the authorities imposed a 36 -hour curfew in the affected areas and suspended internet services for 24 hours.Cuttack District Magistrate Dattatraya Bhusaheb Shinde confirmed the remedies, said: “Now, the situation is under control. Unfortunately, some issues arose during the evening. Unfortunately, the crowd got out of control, and some injuries occurred to the police, so we have stopped internet services in the city for 24 hours immediately. Curfew will be imposed immediately. Additional forces have been required, and we already have about ten companies. But we will get about three plateau forces from the Central Armed Forces. ,
Cuttack stress after violence during Durga Idol immersion (PTI photo)
He appealed for peace, emphasizing the communal harmony of the city.“We request everyone, and we appeal to everyone that Cuttack has always been the city of Brotherhood, and we have been continued in this way. We have been engaged with community leaders of different communities for the last two to three days. We are entangled with them, and we are continuing this engagement, and we have all assured that they will not say this again. He assured that the situation would be under control within the next 24 hours. “The DGP has already ensured that whoever has tried to break this peace in this peaceful city will not be spared. The Internet has been banned for 24 hours, and we think within 24 hours, we will be able to bring it under control. If not, we are ready to ban it for the next 24 hours.”
Police denied rumors of death
Police officials dismissed rumors on social media about a death related to a pre -incident during Durga Idol immersion.“We have also come to know that rumors were spreading that one of the four persons who were injured in the stone tampering incident during Durga Idol immersion had died. People who spread these rumors would be arrested. Four were injured on that day, all were discharged a single day. One is being treated. One treatment will be maintained. One treatment will be maintained.
Government orders social media ban
The state government suspended the Internet and Social Media services in the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and 42 Mauja regions by 7 pm on Monday.According to a government circular, “The use and access of social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook and X has been prohibited, with Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and 42 Mauja area till 7 pm on Monday.”The order was issued under Section 5 (2) of the Telegraph Act, 1885 and Telecom Services (Public Emergency/Public Safety) Rules Rule 2 (1) of Temporary suspension.
Fresh clashes reported
Even when the security forces marched the flag to maintain the order, the rioters set fire to several places in the Gauri Shankar Park area.Assistant Fire Officer Sanjeeb Kumar Behera said: “We came to know that near Gauri Shankar Park, the rioters have set fire to 8-10 places. We have extinguished the fire. The rioters are stoning us. Police have been deployed to control the situation. ,
A policeman controlling the crowd to restore peace in the city. (Annie photo)
According to reports, stone pelting continued in some parts of the city as police reinforcement was deployed.Odisha Director General Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania assured that the situation was under control.“Police is closely monitoring the situation. Action will be taken against all the anti -social elements involved in the violence. I would like to inform all the residents of Cuttack not to rely on any rumor. They should immediately check the police website, commission website and their Twitter handle. ,
Opposition voice worry
Former Odisha Chief Minister and opposition leader Naveen Patnaik appealed for calm and harmony, expressing deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the city.Local leaders have condemned the incident. MLA Sofia Firdous and East MLA MD. MOQUIM described the situation as “very unfortunate” and urged the citizens to work towards restoring peace. The two leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining a long -standing tradition of unity and cooperation between communities.MLA Sophia Firdus said, “We should be patient and be committed to normalize everything again. The city has always been a symbol of unity, and it is important that we all work together to ensure that it does not divide us.”East MLA MD, echoing similar feelings. MOQUIM insisted that the authorities ensured that the accused would face strict punishment. “Justice will be given, and the rule of law will be strong,” he assured.
