Naveen promises action against guilty, compensation to victims

Bhadrak: After five days of unrest in Bhadrak town, Chief Minister Patnaik today assured the victims will be compensated and promised strict punishment for those responsible for the riot in the town.

His assurance came after a review meeting with the local elected representatives and administrative officials at the Collectorate here. “Wherever damage has been done, full compensation will be paid to the affected people and those inciting violence will be punished. I will announce a package of assistance for the people who have lost their livelihood. New vending zones will be constructed for rehabilitation of street vendors”, Patnaik told mediapersons.

Patnaik also asked the officials to assess the damage caused due to the unrest and sought a report within three days. “Details of damage assessment should be be submitted in next three days so that financial assistance can sanctioned for livelihood restoration” he added.

Appealing to the people for maintaining peace, he promised stringent action against the law breakers. “My honest appeal to the people will be to maintain peace and communal harmony. All accused persons responsible for the violent incident will be punished as per law. Further, our government will take strong steps to counter the divisive forces creating discord and violence in the name of religion”, Patnaik stated.

The Chief Minister did an on-the-spot review of the situation by interacting with people directly at the sensitive Apartibindha, Chandan Bazar and Old town areas in the town today. Soon after landing at the Nehru stadium helipad, he drove to town areas and walked a distance to meet the people and affected shopkeepers. Local MLAs, government officials also accompanied him.