Keonjhar: The Joda administration clamped Section 144 in the town after a communal clash erupted between two groups on Monday evening.
According to preliminary reports, the clash was over taking out a procession with Lord Hanuman flags to the deity’s temple as part of Ram Navami celebrations. Police first denied permission but later allowed a small group to take the flags. But, subsequently this permission was also withdrawn anticipating law and order situation.
Aggrieved over the dilly-dallying attitude of the police, some members of Hindu community started the procession with the flags only to be stopped mid-way by members of a minority community. This flared up the situation.
A clash erupted between members of both the communities with either sides hurling stones and bottles at each other. Police and local administration rushed to the spot and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the mob.
As the situation was out of control, the Keonjhar district administration imposed Section 144 in Joda town till 6 am of Tuesday.
Security in and around Joda town has been fortified to avert further tension in the area.
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