CM Naveen Patnaik appeals for peace and harmony in Bhadrak

Bhubaneswar: Even as the situation remains on the edge, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik appealed to people to maintain calm and peace in the violence-torn Bhadrak town.

“I sincerely appeal to all in Bhadrak for peace & harmony; have directed stringent action against any attempt to disrupt peace,” Patnaik wrote in a tweet.

https://twitter.com/Naveen_Odisha/status/850386575171235840

Patnaik is now on a five-day New Delhi tour and scheduled to attend the Inter-State Council meeting on Sunday. Besides, Patnaik would also meet several Union Ministers to discuss issues relating to Odisha.

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also tweeted on the Bhadrak outrage appealing people  to maintain peace and harmony.

https://twitter.com/dpradhanbjp/status/850335655318114304

Curfew imposed in Bhadrak town yesterday, has been extended today till 6 pm. So far over 28 persons have been detained by police.

On the other hand, efforts have also begun on part of the administration to restore normalcy in the town that witnessed large-scale violence for the last two days following religious comments posted on social media on Thursday.

Over 20 persons have been detained by police while Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Central) A.B. Ota, Home secretary Asit Tripathy and DGP KB Singh are closely monitoring situation in Bhadrak.

“Around 18 platoons of police force have been deployed and adequate measures are being taken to restore peace in Bhadrak,” said Ota.

He further informed that senior police officials are closely monitoring developments and a close watch is also being kept on the mischief mongers.

However, a police vehicle as well as few shops in Bhadrak were vandalised by miscreants on Friday. Senior district administration officials said focus is being given on strengthening security at three locations from where large scale violence has been reported.