Balasore, June 19: The district administration has extended the curfew in Balasore Municipality until midnight tonight. Earlier, the curfew was imposed from midnight of June 17 to midnight of June 18.
Balasore Collector Ashish Thakare announced that all entry points to OT Road will remain closed. During the curfew, all commercial establishments, schools, and colleges will remain shut.
According to a notification issued by the sub-divisional magistrate, exemptions are granted to those involved in law and order, emergency services, and candidates appearing for examinations.
Police conducted a flag march in the town, urging residents to maintain peace and stay indoors. The curfew was implemented following a clash between two groups in Balasore town on Monday morning. The district administration also suspended internet services in certain sensitive areas to prevent further unrest.
The clash reportedly began when a group of people staged a sit-in protest in the Bhujakhia Pir area, objecting to animal sacrifice blood on the road. Another group allegedly hurled stones at the protesters, leading to the violent confrontation.
Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar has been stationed in the town to oversee the situation. So far, police have arrested about 30 individuals in connection with the clash.
Balasore SP Sagarika Nath stated, "All entry points to OT Road are closed. No person shall leave their homes or move about on foot or by vehicle except for emergency medical aid."
Residents are urged to comply with the curfew regulations to ensure public safety and order.
