Bhubaneswar, June 18: The Balasore district administration has imposed an indefinite curfew in the entire Balasore Municipality area after clashes between two groups near Bhujakhia Pir escalated into stone-pelting incidents.

In response to the volatile situation, the administration enforced the curfew on Monday night to prevent further violence and restore order.

Additionally, internet services have been suspended in some sensitive areas as a precautionary measure. The administration has ordered the closure of shops, schools, and other institutions until further notice.

Residents have been urged to stay indoors and comply with curfew regulations. To maintain peace, police forces have been stationed at major junctions, and patrolling has been intensified.

The conflict began when locals noticed the drain water near Bhujakhia Pir turning red on Monday, leading to a road blockade on Chandipur-Balasore Main Road. This demonstration was opposed by another community, resulting in clashes and stone-pelting.

Police intervened upon receiving information and attempted to control the situation. An emergency meeting was held at 2 am at Balasore Town Police Station, attended by Superintendent of Police Sagarika Nath, Member of Parliament Pratap Sarangi, Sadar MLA Manas Dutta, and Balasore Collector Asish Thakre.

Following the meeting, prohibitory orders under Section 144 were imposed in the area from Pir Bazar to Patrapada to prevent further violence.

Powered by Froala Editor