Fresh violence in Cuttack; govt suspends internet for 24 hours

Cuttack remained tense on Sunday following fresh incidents of violence linked to a group clash two days ago during a Durga idol immersion procession, even as Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik urged citizens to maintain communal harmony.

Majhi and Patnaik's appeal come after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organised a motorcycle rally in the evening defying the district administration's order.

In view of the prevailing law and order situation, the state government suspended internet services in areas under Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the adjoining 42 Mauza region from 7 pm on Sunday to 7 pm on Monday to prevent the spread of misinformation.

According to officials, CCTV cameras installed along the route were damaged, and shops in Gourishankar Park area were allegedly set on fire after police stopped the procession.

The rally, which began at Bidyadharpur on the eastern outskirts of the city, moved through key areas, including the Dargah Bazar locality — the epicentre of the violence that took place on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday — before ending at Sector 11 of CDA on the city's western fringe.

While appealing for peace, Majhi also said strict action will be taken against violators.

Majhi, in a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), expressed sorrow over the disturbances and appealed to citizens to maintain communal harmony.

"Cuttack is a thousand-year-old city known for its brotherhood. Due to the actions of some miscreants, the peace of the city has been disturbed in recent days," he said.

The CM said the government was keeping a close eye on troublemakers and strict action would be taken against them in accordance with the law.

Patnaik also expressed concern over the law and order situation and said Odisha has the reputation of being a peace-loving state.