Bhadrak unrest: Police stage flag march; Centre sends in force

Bhadrak: Though situation in the communally tense Bhadrak town is slowly clawing back to normal with no untoward incident being reported, palpable tension continues to prevail in view of which police staged a flag march today.

The Centre today rushed 2,000 paramilitary personnel to Odisha to assist the local administration in maintaining law and order in Bhadrak district which has witnessed violence and tension in last few days.

"Central forces rushed to Bhadrak district of Odisha in view of the prevailing tension there," a Home Ministry spokesperson said.

Official sources said 20 companies of paramilitary personnel were dispatched to Odisha to help restore normalcy in the district.

A company of paramilitary force comprises of around 100 personnel.

Around 35 platoons of police force are deployed in Bhadrak town and police have arrested as many as 36 persons and seized nine motorcycles. Both Home Secretary, Asit Tripathy and DGP, KB Singh are camping in Bhadrak to keep a close tab on the situation.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has also appealed to the people to maintain calm and peace in the town.

"I sincerely appeal to all in Bhadrak for peace & harmony; have directed stringent action against any attempt to disrupt peace," Patnaik tweeted.

Also Read: Bhadrak situation under control, says DGP

Appealing to the people, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said he had apprised the Home Minister Rajnath Singh of the situation, and assured all possible help to the state from the central government. At a press meeting in Delhi, Pradhan urged Naveen to handle the issue in a sensitive manner.

Similarly, BJD MP Baijayant Panda appeald for peace in Bhadrak and urged everyone to safeguard years’ of brotherhood.

On the other hand, Odisha BJP’s Pratap Sarangi alleged the ruling-BJD’s role in instigating unrest and violence in Bhadrak. Sarangi at a press meet held in Bhubaneswar said that one of the local leaders of the ruling party is provoking people. Sarangi also slammed Naveen saying, the CM’s decision to visit Delhi instead of Bhadrak is grossly irresponsible.