Tuesday, June 18, 2024: Tensions escalated in Balasore as the district administration imposed a curfew following a violent clash between a Hindu group and a Muslim group on the festival of Bakrid. The curfew, effective from midnight on June 17 to midnight on June 18, aims to restore order in the town amidst growing unrest.
Authorities have invoked Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in response to the clash, which erupted on Monday in Patrapada area of the town, after several Hindu localites said that they saw water in the drains turn red which they alleged to be animal blood. Hindu group accused the Muslims of killing cows, thus, the two communities confronted each other. This resulted in stone pelting, which injured at least fifteen people, including five police officers.
Late Monday night, the situation deteriorated rapidly as clashes broke out in several areas including Golapokhari, Motiganj, and Cinema Chhak. Members from Muslim communities reportedly attacked Hindu homes, using stones, sticks, and glass bottles. Vehicles were set ablaze, and the chaos extended to nearby villages where houses were vandalized and set on fire.
In response to the escalating violence, police resorted to blank firing to disperse the crowds and regain control. Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order), Sanjay Kumar, is currently stationed in Balasore overseeing the situation. A police flag march was conducted, and approximately 30 individuals have been arrested in connection with the clashes.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed immediate measures to control the situation, following discussions with Balasore Collector Ashish Thakare. The district administration has ensured that all entry points to the OT Road are closed, and internet services have been suspended in sensitive areas to prevent the spread of rumors and misinformation.
Balasore SP Sagarika Nath confirmed the imposition of the curfew within the municipality area, with all commercial establishments and shops ordered to remain closed. Police reinforcements have been deployed in sensitive areas to maintain calm, although sporadic incidents of violence have been reported.
This incident marks a significant unrest in Balasore since April 2017, when neighboring Bhadrak witnessed similar communal tensions leading to a curfew. Political leaders including Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi and Sadar MLA Manas Kumar Dutt have urged both communities to maintain peace and cooperate with authorities to restore normalcy.
As the situation remains tense but under control, authorities continue to monitor the area closely to prevent any further escalation of violence. The imposition of a curfew underscores the seriousness with which local authorities are addressing the situation to ensure the safety and security of all residents in Balasore.