Balasore: The district administration of Balasore in Odisha has announced that the curfew imposed in the town would be relaxed for six hours on Friday for the convenience of the people.
The collector and district magistrate of Balasore, in a post in X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, said the curfew imposed in the areas under Balasore Municipality has been extended till June 21 midnight with relaxation for general public from 6 am to 12 noon to meet their daily needs. During this period, all commercial establishments and routine services are allowed to operate, he added.
“Apprehending serious law and order situation, the curfew is extended in the areas under Balasore Municipality on both sides of the road from midnight of June 20 to midnight of June 21. All entry points to the OT Road should be
closed,” the collector’s order said.
“There will be relaxation of curfew on June 21 from 6 am to 12 pm. All commercial establishments will remain open during this time for public to avail routine services/activities during the period,” the collector said.
No person shall leave their homes or shall move on foot or by vehicle or travel or stand or roam around on any road or public place (Except for emergency medical aid) except during the above mentioned time slot.
However, as a part of precautionary measures, schools, Anganwadi centres and colleges will remain
closed till June 21. “This will not apply to those tasked with law and order/emergency and municipal services duties including Executive Magistrates, police personnel, health, electricity, PHD, government machinery related duties or other officer authorised in this behalf, government officials, bank staff, persons engaged in providing essential services to the public such as petrol pump, LPG supply and the examination centres as well as the candidates for appearing at any examination in the prohibited areas,” the collector’s order said.
It may be noted that the administration had imposed prohibitory order in the town a day after clashes between two communities left 10 people wounded on Bakrid. It had also shut down internet services and upgraded prohibitory orders to a full curfew to prevent further flare-ups on Tuesday.