Sambalpur: Central forces will be deployed along with 12 platoons of Odisha police during Hanuman Jayanti procession scheduled to be held in Sambalpur city between April 6 and 14.
Speaking to the media, Sambalpur SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo on Friday said that two companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) and one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) will be deployed during the festivity.
This came a day after the Orissa High Court directed the state government to take “adequate measures” to ensure that Hanuman Jayanti procession passes off peacefully in Sambalpur city.
“High resolution AI cameras are being installed at several locations to monitor the situation. Besides, dark places will be illuminated. Two peace committees are also supporting us with intelligence inputs,” the SP said.
He urged the people of the city to celebrate the festival without spreading any negativity. “There will be tolerance towards any wrongdoings,” he added.
THE WRIT PETITION
Sk Enayatullah and six others had moved the HC seeking restrictions on the procession while expressing apprehension of untoward incidents.
Relying on submissions made by the state and Centre, the division bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Arindam Sinha stated, “We think fit to dispose of the writ petition. State is to take note of the allegations and disclosures made in the petition and take adequate measures as may be deemed necessary.”
Additional government advocate Bimbisar Dash had submitted that there was no basis to have apprehension of communal disharmony in Odisha. “Religious festivals and processions take place here in Odisha without any accompanying untoward incident. Nevertheless, the administration will issue requisite permission and ensure adherence,” he added.
This was supported by deputy solicitor general appearing on behalf of the central government.
THE 2023 CLASH
In 2024, the district administration had imposed restrictions on all kinds of religious processions, including Hanuman Jayanti in Sambalpur city, with 2023 violence still fresh in its mind.
On April 12 2023, two communities clashed outside a mosque in Sunapali area after stones were allegedly thrown at the bike rally on the eve of Hanuman Jayanti. During the violence, some shops and several two-wheelers were set on fire while a number of cars were damaged. The next day, internet services were suspended in Sambalpur city to curb spread of inflammatory messages. On April 14, the Hanuman Jayanti procession was taken out but several incidents of arsoning and a murder were reported, leading to a complete curfew across the city. Normalcy was restored in the city after around a week.
Every year a bike rally and a ritual ‘Jhanda Sthapana’ are organised prior to Hanuman Jayanti, which is celebrated in Odisha on Maha Visuba Sankranti, in the city.
