Rourkela: The dawn-to-dusk bandh call by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) remained peaceful and total in the city Saturday.
VHP called the bandh protesting the disruption of Lord Jagannath’s Bahuda Yatra in the city Thursday by a group of people. The group interrupted the festival over circulation of a controversial image and remarks in social media.
However, police Saturday clamped Section 144 of CrPC in Bisra and Panposh areas to avoid any untoward incident. The prohibitory order was imposed on a stretch from Nala Road to Udit Nagar Friday. Besides, three more platoons of police force were added to 20 platoons that were deployed Friday to maintain law and order in the city.
Police also conducted a flag march on the main thoroughfares and at vulnerable pockets of the city, DSP GD Dalai said. Police detained more than 25 workers of BJP, VHP and Bajrang Dal who were released later.
Hundreds of agitators picketed at several intersections including Panposh Chhak, Udit Nagar, Ambedkar Chhak, Basanti Colony, Sector-19, Sector-21, Birajapali, Rangeela Chhak, Nabakrushnanagar and Tangarpali and blocked roads by burning tyres.
All schools, colleges, filling stations, private and nationalised banks remained closed while plying of vehicles was disrupted. Passengers had a harrowing time as long-route buses to Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand remained off roads.
VHP activists stopped some buses and trucks and demonstrated at Panposh Chhak on NH-143 to stage a blockade. However, normalcy returned after police detained the demonstrators. Similarly, some Bajrang Dal members and lawyers staged demonstration near Birajapali court. The situation got back to normal after police arrived at the spot and dispersed the agitators.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that tension still prevails in several parts. Police have tightened security arrangements and kept vigil on the unfolding situation.
On the other hand, local MLA Dilip Ray, RDA chairman Sarada Nayak, district Congress president Biren Senapati and PP Roy of Sachetan Nagarik Manch appealed to the people to maintain peace and not politicise the issue. PNN