New Delhi [India], October 6 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Aparajita Sarangi on Monday said that the Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, is taking all necessary measures to maintain peace and order after clashes broke out during the Durga Puja immersion procession in Cuttack.
She added that the state government is very vigilant and is diligently working to bring the situation under control through its senior police officers and the civic administration.
"The incident that occurred during the Durga Puja immersion should not have happened. It was very unfortunate. Under the leadership of CM Mohan Charan Manjhi, all necessary measures are being taken to maintain peace. 36 36-hour curfew is currently in place, and an adequate police force has been deployed. The DCP who was injured is also recovering. The injured were immediately rushed to the hospital and are receiving ongoing treatment...," Sarangi told ANI.
Clashes occurred between two groups during the Durga Puja immersion procession, resulting in injuries and property damage. A 36-hour curfew has been imposed, and an adequate police force has been deployed to maintain law and order. The Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation, and senior police officers are working to bring the situation under control.
Internet services have been suspended for 24 hours to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain peace. A total of 25 people, including eight policemen, were injured in the incident.
Meanwhile, the Vishva Hindu Parishad has called for a 12-hour shutdown in protest against the violence, which is expected to impact daily life in Cuttack.
"The Vishva Hindu Parishad has called for a shutdown. This is a democratic state, an independent country. People will do as they wish. However, I would like to assure you that the situation is under control, and the state government is making every effort to address it. The Chief Minister himself is monitoring the situation, and all senior civil and police officials are engaged. So, we all hope that peace will prevail and Cuttack will return to what it once was," she further said.
A curfew has been imposed in Cuttack under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for 36 hours, until October 7.
Speaking about the restrictions imposed under the curfew, Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhola stated that all commercial establishments would remain closed, while hospitals, schools, and colleges would remain open.
He further stated that a total of 60 platoons of state police forces have been deployed, apart from the paramilitary forces, including the Rapid Action Force, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and the Odisha Swift Action Force.
"Following yesterday's incident, a prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS, commonly known as a curfew, has been passed by the magistrate. This prohibitory order will be in effect from 10 pm last night until 10 am tomorrow (October 7). We will assess the situation further and make a decision accordingly. But as of today, only emergency services are open. Government offices, schools, and colleges are all open. Hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores, and petrol pumps will remain open. Other than that, all other commercial establishments will remain closed... The situation is peaceful. People are cooperating with us... We have 60 platoons of state police forces. They are already deployed. Today, we have mobilised more forces; eight companies of paramilitary forces have arrived. Paramilitary forces, such as the Rapid Action Force, BSF, CRPF, and Odisha Swift Action Force, have all been mobilised and deployed at important locations and junctions," Bhola told ANI.