Cuttack: Life in Cuttack city began returning to normal Tuesday after authorities relaxed the curfew imposed across 13 police station limits in the wake of communal clashes that left 31 people, including 10 police personnel, injured.
The curfew, which was in force till 10am Tuesday, was lifted as no fresh incidents were reported. Restrictions had been in place in Dargha Bazar, Mangalabag, Cantonment, Puri Ghat, Lalbag, Bidanasi, Markatnagar, CDA Phase-II, Malgodown, Badambadi, Jagatpur, Bayalish Mouza, and Sadar police station areas.
Two separate incidents of violence were reported in Cuttack’s Dargha Bazar area between Friday night and Sunday. The first clash occurred during the immersion procession of Goddess Durga idols, leaving six injured. The second, more serious, incident erupted Sunday evening when police stopped a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) bike rally from entering the sensitive zone, triggering stone pelting that injured at least 25 people, including eight policemen.
Also Read: Cuttack: Internet to remain suspended for another 24 hours
To prevent further unrest, the administration had suspended internet services for 24 hours from 7pm Sunday. The state Home Department later extended the suspension by another 24 hours till 7pm Tuesday, citing apprehensions that “anti-social elements” could use the internet to spread rumours and disturb communal harmony.
The order, however, exempts government and essential services such as OSWAN (Odisha State Wide Area Network), banking, and railways.
Heavy police deployment continues across the affected areas, while peace committees have been activated to maintain calm.
PNN & Agencies
