Internet Suspended, Sec 144 Extended In Odisha’s Mining Town Joda

Keonjhar: The authorities on Tuesday suspended Internet services and extended the prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC till 10 am on Wednesday in the mining town of Joda in Odisha’s Keonjhar district.

Schools, colleges, shops and business establishments will remain closed during this period.

Tension continues to prevail in Joda, a day after the administration clamped Section 144 after communal clashes between two groups over Ram Navami celebrations. Eight platoons of police force have been deployed in the area.

As part of Ram Navami celebrations on Monday, a group wanted to take out an ‘Akhada’ procession to a Shiva temple in Ward 4 of the town.

After police denied permission, the group assured that the procession would be taken out with only five members. Police again denied permission.

The group sat on a dharna in protest and, after some time, some members went ahead with the procession, only to be stopped by members of the minority community. A clash broke out between both communities with stones and bottles hurled at each other. Police and administration rushed to the spot and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the mob. Scores were injured in the violence. Later, Section 144 was imposed.