Internet Services Suspended Ahead Of Ram Navami Celebration In Bhadrak

Bhadrak: Apprehending misuse of social media in Bhadrak during Ram Navami celebration, the district administration has suspended internet services in the town for the next 48 hours starting from 6 pm on Saturday.

“Use of internet services have been suspended in Bhadrak town as a precautionary measure to maintain communal harmony ahead of Ram Navami celebration”, SP Anup Sahu informed.

As many as 50 platoons of police officers have been deployed in the town to ensure smooth conduct of the festival. Four commandants and seven police officers will inspect the security arrangements during the festival, Sahu added.

Restriction under Section 144 of CrPC has been lifted in the town for five hours for Kalash Sobhayatra of Ram Navami.

Meanwhile, the members of Sriram Mahayajna Samiti appealed the people of the town to maintain peace during Nagar Sankirtan Sobhayatra scheduled to be held on Sunday. Thousands of devotees are expected to witness the procession of more than 100 idols to be taken out from Nehru Stadium to Gandhi Ground.

On Friday, Orissa High Court had issued an order permitting celebration of Ram Navami in the town which was banned by the state government following communal unrest on April 5 last year after a group of people posted objectionable remarks on Hindu deities on social media.

Several houses and business establishments were torched following communal violence in the town.