Odisha

Edu institutions in Bhadrak to reopen on Tuesday

Public announcements to maintain peace and restraint being made from government vehicles in communally-sensitive Bhadrak on Monday

Bhadrak/ Bhubaneswar: Amid curfew and restrictions in Bhadrak town, a group of unidentified miscreants set some shops afire at Bonth Square in Bhadrak on Monday. Police has detained one person in connection with the case.

Barring stray incidents, the situation was under control, said IG (central range) S K Upadhaya. “We are keeping a close watch. Security bandobast is adequate,” he added. Educational institutions, which were closed in view of the communal conflagration, would reopen on Tuesday.

Home secretary Asit Tripathy, who camped in Bhadrak for two days, said the situation was ‘absolutely normal’ but prohibitory orders had been clamped as a precautionary measure. Banks and medicine stores have been asked to remain open, he informed.

Rvenue divisional commissioner (RDC), central range, A B Ota, held a meeting
with MLAs, former MLAs, senior citizens and other people’s representatives to find out ways for establishing peace in the area.

In view of the improving situation, the district administration eased curfew for five hours (from 7 am to 12 noon) so that people could buy essential commodities like medicines, milk and vegetables. Ration shortage was reported from certain pockets.

To control spread of violence, the State Crime Branch has blocked in Bhadrak all the social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter, for 48 hours since Sunday night.