SAMBALPUR: Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated in Sambalpur amid tight security with significant deployment of police force on Monday.
The heavy police bandobast came in the wake of violence during the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations in 2023.
To prevent any untoward incident, 20 platoons of police force including six of CRPF and RAF were deployed across the city. Security measures were intensified in three sensitive areas - Zilla School chowk, Motijharan and Peer Baba chowk.
Following the Eid namaz, members of the Muslim community expressed gratitude to the locals and the district administration for ensuring a safe and peaceful celebration. They also prayed for continued peace and harmony in Sambalpur.
On Sunday evening, police accompanied by CRPF personnel conducted flag march to maintain peace and order. Official sources said security measures will be further enhanced in the coming days ahead of Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.
Meanwhile, preparations for Ram Navami celebration on April 6 are underway in full swing in Sambalpur. Addressing mediapersons, members of Shree Ram Janmotsav Samiti announced their plans for a grand procession. “The Ram Navami procession this year will be historic. More than the display of muscle, it will showcase our rich culture and heritage. We will ensure that the festival is celebrated peacefully,” they assured.
Senior member of the committee Pradeep Bohidar said after puja at Farm Road Ram temple, the procession will start from Khetrajpur railway station. It will be joined by several Naga sadhus and for the first time, retired defence personnel will escort the chariot of Lord Ram.
Notably, Hanuman Jayanti is being celebrated in Sambalpur after a gap of one year. In 2023, more than 15 people including police personnel were injured due to stone pelting during the bike rally organised by various Hanuman Jayanti committees before the main festival. The violence led to torching of several shops and the fatal stabbing of a tribal youth.
To restore normalcy, the administration imposed section 144 in the district while internet services were suspended for over 10 days. The district administration also issued an order prohibiting celebration of any religious festival for a period of one year.