Post News Network/Agencies
Bhadrak: Curfew was relaxed for nine hours and educational institutes reopened Tuesday in Bhadrak, where violence had erupted after alleged abusive remarks were posted against Hindu deities on the social media.
The curfew, which was imposed April 7, was initially relaxed from 7 am to 2 pm Tuesday and later extended by another two hours to enable people procure essential items and do their daily chores, collector Gyana Ranjan Das said.
Revenue divisional commissioner (RDC), central, AB Ota, said the decision to relax the curfew for a longer period was taken after a thorough review and assessment of the situation in the violence-hit town. No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the town till noon, he said.
Educational institutes, government offices, banks and ATMs were open even as security forces kept a vigil. Vehicular movement was also normal, Das said.
Social media platforms, however, remained blocked in the area to prevent spread of rumours, director general of police KB Singh said.
People stepped out of their houses to purchase milk, bread and vegetables after the curfew relaxation was announced through the public address system this morning. Essential items were available in adequate quantities, Ota said.
Over 80 people have so far been arrested in connection with the violence, the DGP said.
Social media platforms remained blocked after the state government restricted access to them in Bhadrak town and nearby areas since April 9 to prevent the spread of rumours, a senior official said. Thirty-seven platoons of force (around 1,300 personnel) have been deployed in the town to maintain law and order.
Violence had erupted in the town April 6 after a group staged a demonstration near the Town police station demanding immediate arrest of those involved in allegedly posting offensive remarks against Hindu deities on social media.
Though the district administration clamped prohibitory orders, tension persisted and fresh violence was reported April 7 despite a peace meeting.
The escalation in tension prompted the administration to impose curfew April 7.
Fear still griped guardians of school kids, though the administration ordered for reopening of schools Tuesday, most private schools were found locked.
Besides, due to disruption in internet services, transactions could not be possible in many banks, leaving customers in difficulty. ATMs were not working.
Some social activists, members of local transport bodies and a Puja Committee served cooked food to patients and their relatives at the district headquarters hospital and passengers at the railway station. Cooked meals were arranged for 1,200 people at the district headquarters hospital.
Meanwhile, several outfits, locals and other local bodies demanded compensation for the affected people. Even as the police have stepped up hunt for persons accused in the violence, fear of being under probe and arrest griped the youths, who used to be communicating on social media.
As for compensation, Ota told media that the administration is making arrangements to provide compensation to the affected persons after assessing the extent of damage. The administration will hold a meeting of peace committee in a day or two, but media persons will not be allowed entry, it was learnt. PNN
