Normalcy returns as curfew lifted in violence-hit Kendrapara town

Kendrapara: Curfew has been lifted in violence-hit Kendrapara from 6 am today as the town is limping back to normalcy. However, prohibitory orders under Section 144 remains in force in the area.

The curfew was lifted after a successful peace committee meeting between district administration, police and the conflicting groups on Thursday evening. During the meeting Central Range Inspector General (IG) Soumendra Priyadarshi, RDC Central Division Mahendra Kumar Mallick and Energy Secretary Hemant Sharma were also present.

As per reports, schools, colleges, markets and other business establishments were opened in the morning today. A rally was held by the peace committee in the morning from Old Bus Stand to Tinimuhani in the town.

Normalcy returns to violence-hit #Kendrapara town after curfew was lifted from 6 am today. Here's what locals say #KendraparaGroupClash #Odisha #WATCH pic.twitter.com/Gqsbi9rDEa

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“The dispute was resolved after the meeting yesterday. Markets, schools and colleges have been opened. Vehicular movement has also resumed,” said a resident of Kendrapara town.

On Wednesday, an altercation broke out between two groups over organising a public event at Government High School ground forcing the police to impose the Section 144 on the same day.

Despite enforcement of the section 144 in the town, tension escalated in the town on Thursday morning after the two groups pelted stones at each other. The mob also reportedly scuffled with the cops leading to a mild lathi-charge.

Subsequently, curfew was clamped by the district administration in the town to bring the situation under control.