Sec 144 clamped at Sulia fest sites

Bolangir: With the tribal of Khairaguda preparing in full swing for the Sulia festival to be observed tomorrow, the district administration today clamped prohibitory orders at six places of the district including Khairagida to check largescale animal sacrifice.

The tribal association and Sulia Puja committee have decided to slaughter animals and birds in large scale to appease their goddess.

" We have proclaimed Sec 144 at six places including Khairaguda, Sanakhala, Badakhala to prevent the sacrifice. Adequate police forces have been deployed at the sacrifice site. Magistrates will also be mobilised to monitor the situation", Sub-collector Brajabandhu Bhol said.

The administration imposed Section 144 at Sana Khala and Bada khala and deployed adequate police forces at the sacrifice site.

Hundreds of animals and birds are slaughtered every year to mark the festival at Khairaguda. However, the government has taken steps this year to prevent mass sacrifice.