By Anushka Rajvedi
On Sunday evening, the Odisha government imposed a prohibitory order in 13 police station jurisdictions and suspended internet services in Cuttack, where fresh incidents of violence resulted in the injuries of 25 people, according to PTI.
Cuttack, a thousand-year-old city in Odisha, has long been hailed for its communal harmony. The city was on alert Sunday night following an outbreak of violence after clashes occurred two days earlier during the immersion of Durga Puja idols.
The violence reportedly erupted after disagreements arose over loud music on one of the processes in the Dargah Bazaar area of the city, which has now either turned into an internet shutdown, a bandh call, or pleas for peace across the political spectrum. Subsequently, the city administration has imposed a 36-hour curfew in several areas of the city, including parts of the Dargah Bazaar region.
The conflict on Friday intensified as stones and glass bottles were allegedly thrown down from rooftops into the crowd.
At least six individuals were hurt, including Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, on Friday. A number of cars and roadside vendors were damaged in the confusion.
The immersion procession for another committee, Rausapatna Durga Kali Medha, which was trailing closely behind, was also interrupted during the violence.
While the city was trying to bring things back to normal, there was more trouble on Sunday night as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) carried out a motorcycle rally despite orders from the district administration.
After the violence and escalation of tension, the state government of Odisha suspended internet services in all areas of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the adjacent 42 Mauzas from 7 pm Sunday until 7 pm Monday
Officials said the prohibition of internet access was in order to prevent the spread of misinformation and to limit any incendiary social media content. WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and all other platforms will be blocked during this timeframe.
The administration is asking for community peace as Cuttack prepares for the VHP bandh on Monday.