Balasore: Ahead of the beginning of Navratri on Wednesday, police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) conducted a flag march in communally sensitive Balasore of Odisha on Monday.
Balasore SP Saharika Nath led the police and RAF in the flag march. The SP told the media persons that the exercise was carried out to ensure the law and order situation ahead of Ram Navami.
“An RAF team along with the district police jointly conducted the flag march in view of the Navratri beginning on Wednesday. It will culminate in Ram Navami on March 30. We have identified the sensitive pockets in the town where the security would be enforced during the celebrations,” she said.
The SP further said the Central para-military force will camp in the town for the week. “They will conduct familiarisation exercises during their stay. We are prepared to ensure peaceful celebration of the festival,” she added.
Besides the flag march, the district administration has called a Peace Committee meeting on March 22. All the stakeholders in the Ram Navami celebrations and representatives from all communities have been invited to participate in the meeting. Their suggestions will be taken into account to maintain law and order, she said.
It may be noted that a group clash in the town led to injuries of three police personnel including the IIC of Balasore Town police station Parsuram Sahoo on March 7 night. The clash took place at Golapokhari Chhak situated at 200 metre from Balasore town police station over tying of flags and Jai Shree Ram slogan ahead of Ram Navami.
