Section 144 Imposed In Hatadelanga Fearing Clashes During ‘Delang Mahotsav’

Pipli: Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC has been clamped at Hatadelanga area in Pipili block in Puri by the district administration on Saturday in order to maintain law and order during ‘Delang Mahotsav’.

“We have imposed restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC for seven days as a precautionary measure. Hatadelang had witnessed violent clashes between two groups and bomb blasts during the celebration last year”, a district official informed.

No celebration will be conducted for the next seven days. However, no restriction shall be imposed on opening of shops and other business establishments, the officer added.

As many as two platoons of police force have been deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incident.

Clashes took place between the locals of Denupada and Jagdalpur villages over purchasing ice cream during the celebration of Delang Mahotsav. People from both sides were injured after they indulged in heavy stone pelting on each other and hurled bombs. Following which, people from both sides were arrested from the spot.

However, the district administration has decided to hold talks with the Delang Mahotsav Committee members to ensure that no unpleasant situation takes place in the locality.