No internet, large gatherings banned in Odisha town after clashes over Ram Navami rally
India Today
Section 144 has been imposed in Odisha's Joda town and internet services have been shut after clashes were reported over Ram Navami celebrations.
Odisha’s Keonjhar District administration on Tuesday suspended internet services and extended prohibitory orders under Section 144 till 10 am tomorrow, following clashes between two groups over the Ram Navami celebrations.
As per reports, a religious group was planning to take out an “akhada” procession to a Shiv temple in the district's Joda town. However, the district administration denied them permission since it was late in the night and the group wanted to brandish swords during the procession. The police feared clashes might break out if people with swords marched through the minority-dominated area.
The participants of the procession were told to hoist the flag at the temple the next morning.
On Monday, the police agreed to allow only five people to go to the temple without any sword or weapon. Annoyed by this, the group blocked the road near the Hanuman temple.
As the group was going to the temple with the flag, it was opposed by another group, leading to a violent clash between the two communities involving stones and bottles. Several policemen and journalists were injured.
The police and the officials from the administration rushed to the spot and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. Many were injured in the violence, following which prohibitory orders were imposed.
Meanwhile, 14 platoons of police have been deployed in the area.
