Police Conduct Flag March In Odisha’s Joda After Fresh Clashes

Keonjhar: Police conducted flag marches on Wednesday after fresh clashes in the mining town of Joda in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, according to reports.

Sixteen platoons of police have been deployed and two Additional SPs are reviewing the law and order situation in the area. Internet services will remain suspended in the district for the second day on Wednesday.

The authorities on Tuesday suspended Internet services and extended the prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC in Joda.

A meeting was convened between Hindu and Muslim leaders on Tuesday for peace talks. However, it remained inconclusive after only a handful of people turned up at the venue. A peace committee meeting is also scheduled on Wednesday.

Tension continues to prevail in the town after communal clashes between two groups over Ram Navami celebrations. As part of Ram Navami celebrations on Monday, a group wanted to take out an ‘Akhada’ procession in the town.

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

But some members allegedly went ahead with the procession, only to be stopped by members of the minority community. A clash broke out with stones and bottles hurled at each other. Police rushed to the spot and resorted to lathi-charge. Scores were injured in the violence. Later, Section 144 was imposed.