Curfew imposed in Soro; 19 platoons deployed

Balasore: Apprehending law and order situation during Id-Ul-Zuha celebrations tomorrow in Soro town, which witnessed unrest following group clash over Ganesh immersion two days back, the police on Monday imposed 12-hour curfew in the trouble-torn town.

Police said, no movements will be allowed inside the town during this time.

“Besides civil police personnel, 19 platoons of force have been deployed in the town to maintain law and order. DIG and ADG (law and order) are camping in the town to keep a close watch on the situation. The absolute curfew is from 6 pm today to 6 am tomorrow. No movement will be allowed during this period,” Balasore SP Niti Sekhar said.

Sources said, the curfew was necessitated keeping in mind the possible gathering by Muslim community in groups to observe the festival. As part of the celebration, muslims gather at shrines and mosques and take out jaloos (religious procession) around the town.

“In view of the festival of Muslim brothers tomorrow, we are allowing only congregation for prayers. But we have imposed restrictions on jaloos usually taken out by them on these occasions,” Balasore Collector Pramod Das said.

Officials on condition of anonymity said five shops in the town were torched last night despite imposition of section 144 of CrPC here. Police have detained some youths for their suspected involvement in the incident, sources said.

The shops were set on fire after the peace committee meeting held in the presence of ADG, SP and local MLA where it was decided to extend cooperation towards restoring normalcy in the town, sources added.