Cuttack: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and BJD president Naveen Patnaik Monday appealed for peace as Cuttack witnessed sporadic violence, urging citizens to remain calm and exercise restraint.
To prevent the spread of misinformation and provocative content, the state government suspended internet and social media services for 24 hours in parts of Cuttack. The restrictions, effective from 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday, cover areas under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the adjoining 42 Mauza region.
Officials said many CCTV cameras were damaged, while shops near Gourishankar Park were set on fire. The situation remained tense, with heavy deployment of security personnel in sensitive areas.
Appealing for calm, Chief Minister Majhi said Cuttack has always been known for its brotherhood and peaceful coexistence. “Due to the actions of some miscreants, the city’s peace has been disturbed. The government is closely monitoring the situation, and strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he said in a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office.
Echoing similar sentiments, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik said Odisha has long been known for its peace-loving and inclusive spirit. “People of all communities must come together to preserve this harmony,” he urged.
Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdus of the Congress also expressed concern over the developments. “Our city is a living example of unity and tradition — where Durga Puja has been celebrated for more than 500 years. Those who tried to disrupt this peace must face action under the law,” she said.
Meanwhile, the VHP has called a 12-hour bandh in Cuttack Monday to protest the earlier clashes.
Violence first erupted between 1.30 a.m. and 2 a.m. Saturday near Haathi Pokhari in the Daraghabazar area when an immersion procession was heading toward Devi Gada on the Kathajodi riverbank. According to officials, the clash broke out after some locals objected to loud music being played. The situation escalated as stones and glass bottles were hurled from rooftops, injuring several people, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishikesh Khillari. Police have arrested six persons so far.
PNN & Agencies