Section 144 imposed: Imposed: Unpacking the Communal Violence in Odisha’s Balasore

Section 144 was imposed in Balasore, a coastal town in Odisha, on Tuesday morning following clashes between two groups sparked by suspicions of cow slaughter during a religious celebration of a minority community. The district administration suspended internet services in sensitive areas and urged residents to stay indoors.

According to the police, the curfew was in effect from midnight on June 17 to midnight on June 18. The unrest began when a group staged a dharna in the Bhujakhia Pir area to protest animal sacrifice blood on the road. Opposing group members allegedly started throwing stones at the protesters, leading to a violent confrontation. Armed with stones, sticks, and glass bottles, they set vehicles on fire, pelted houses with stones, and vandalized roads, resulting in three injuries and damage to over half a dozen motorcycles.

The situation escalated late Monday night when members of one community attacked homes in the Golapokhari, Motiganj, and Cinema Chhak areas of the city. Odisha’s newly elected Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi spoke with Balasore Collector Ashish Thakare, instructing him to take immediate measures to restore order. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace, Majhi assured that disturbances to the state’s law and order would not be tolerated.

To control the situation, police resorted to a baton charge and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144. At least 150 police personnel have been deployed in the area to prevent further violence.

Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar is currently in the town, and police conducted a flag march in Balasore. Approximately 30 individuals have been arrested so far, according to police reports.

“All entry points to OT Road are closed,” police said, adding, “No person shall leave their homes or move on foot, by vehicle, or travel except for emergency medical aid.”

Balasore SP Sagarika Nath stated, “Curfew has been clamped in Balasore municipality area. All commercial establishments and shops are to remain closed.”

A senior police officer added, “Adequate police arrangements in the sensitive areas have been made, and the situation is getting under control, though some sporadic violence was reported in some places yesterday.”