Cuttack Under Siege: 36-Hour Lockdown After Clashes, 60 Platoons Deployed
Cuttack has been placed under strict curfew following violent clashes that broke out in parts of the city late Sunday night, prompting the administration to take swift measures to restore order. Authorities have imposed a 36-hour-long curfew across sensitive areas and deployed as many as 60 platoons of police forces to prevent further escalation.
Violence Sparks Panic
According to officials, tensions flared after two groups clashed during a religious procession, leading to stone pelting, arson, and damage to property in certain pockets of the city. Local residents described the scenes as chaotic, with smoke rising from torched vehicles and shops hurriedly shutting down. Many families remained indoors through the night as the violence spiraled.
Eyewitnesses recounted moments of fear when small altercations turned into larger clashes. “It started with shouting and pushing, and suddenly stones were flying everywhere. We locked ourselves inside until the police arrived,” said a shopkeeper in the affected zone.
Heavy Police Deployment
The district administration responded by mobilizing 60 platoons of police forces to ensure strict enforcement of the curfew and restore calm. Senior police officers, including the Commissioner of Police, were seen patrolling sensitive neighborhoods throughout the night. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has also been pressed into service.
CCTV monitoring has been intensified, and drone surveillance is being used to track potential gatherings or unlawful assemblies. “Our priority is to safeguard lives and property. We have deployed sufficient forces to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incident,” said a senior police official.
Curfew Restrictions in Place
Under the 36-hour curfew, residents have been directed to stay indoors, with movement prohibited except for essential and emergency services. Schools, colleges, and offices in the curfew-hit zones will remain closed until further orders. Shops and markets are also shut, creating a deserted look across usually bustling areas of the city.
Authorities have assured citizens that essential supplies like milk, medicine, and water will be made available through designated centers. Ambulance services and hospital access have been kept open.
Leaders Appeal for Peace
In the aftermath of the clashes, political and community leaders have urged people to maintain peace and harmony. Several local representatives have appealed to citizens not to believe in rumors circulating on social media. “Cuttack has a long tradition of unity. We should not allow these incidents to divide us,” said one local leader addressing reporters.
The administration has also issued warnings against the spread of fake news and inflammatory content online. Cyber police units are closely monitoring social platforms to track and block any provocative messages.
Past Incidents and Rising Concerns
Cuttack, known as the cultural capital of Odisha, has seen sporadic tensions in the past, particularly during festivals. However, Sunday’s violence has raised concerns among both residents and officials about the need for stricter preventive measures during large gatherings.
Experts believe that poor crowd management and lack of early intervention often allow such clashes to escalate. Civil society groups have called for better coordination between law enforcement agencies and community leaders in handling sensitive events.
Road Ahead
The curfew will remain in place until Tuesday evening, after which the situation will be reviewed by the administration. Police have already detained several individuals suspected of involvement in the clashes and are conducting further investigations.
As the city remains tense but under control, citizens are hopeful that peace will be restored soon. “We want to go back to normal life. Our children need to go to school, and shops need to reopen. We just hope this ends quickly,” said a resident of Chauliaganj, one of the curfew-hit localities.
The next 36 hours are expected to be critical in determining whether calm can return to Cuttack or whether stricter actions will be needed to prevent further violence.
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