SAMBALPUR: The state government on Thursday suspended internet services in Sambalpur for 48 hours after the communal violence during a bike rally ahead of Hanuman Jayanti festival. The internet shutdown, which includes blocking of social media platforms, will remain in force till on April 15.
A notice issued by Additional Chief Secretary, Home DK Singh said the situation is critical and miscreants are circulating false and inflammatory messages through social media to disturb the public order in Sambalpur. Messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and other such media have the potential to inflame communal passions.
“In order to prevent the spread of such inflammatory and motivated messages, notification has been promulgated to prohibit the use and access of the following types of internet and data services including WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and other social media for next 48 hours beginning from 10 am on April 13,” it said.
Sambalpur SP B Gangadhar also appealed to the public not to believe in rumours and share any unverified information on the internet that might disrupt peace and harmony in the city. The SP further said the situation is completely under control. Adequate security arrangements have been made to prevent any untoward situation. Thirty platoons of police fore have been deployed across the city.
“We have also asked for additional 10 platoons of force. So far, 43 people directly involved in the clash have been detained. At least 26 persons have been arrested and produced in court. We have also seized swords, petrol bombs and other weapons from the spot.”
When asked if the violence was pre-planned, Gangadhar said, “It seems the incident was sporadic and occurred following a sudden provocation. Further investigation is underway.” On the day, police conducted a flag march from Zilla School Chowk via Motijharan to Gengutipali Chowk.
Sambalpur collector Ananya Das said discussions were held with all stakeholders in the peace committee meeting. They have promised to extend support to maintain harmony during the procession. “Adequate security arrangements will be made to ensure that the procession passes off peacefully on Friday,” she added.
However, despite the prohibitory orders, the Hanuman Jayanti Samanwaya Samiti decided to observe Hanuman Jayanti on Friday. Boycotting the peace committee meeting held on the day, Samiti members announced to organise a rally on the occasion as per their previous plan.
Besides, the Samiti has called for a bandh from 3 pm on Thursday till 5 pm on Friday and has sought support of the people. President of the Samiti Rajkumar Badpanda said, “We appeal to the people to shut down their shops during the bandh and join the procession on Friday.”
On Wednesday, clashes erupted between two groups at Motijharan during a Hanuman Jayanti rally in Sambalpur city. At least 10 police personnel sustained injuries in stone pelting during the clashes. Following the incident, the district administration clamped section 144 across the city.