Group Clash in Joda: Internet services suspended

Joda: To prevent further flare-up following the violent clash  between two groups that took place in Joda on Ram Navami, the Keonjhar district administration today extended the prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC for another 24 hours.

Restrictions under the Prohibitory orders will remain in force till 10 am of April 13. Schools, colleges, shops and other business establishments will remain closed during the period.

Besides, the administration has also suspended internet services as palpable tension continues to prevail in the area. Meanwhile, around 10 platoons of police force have been deployed in the town to avoid any unpleasant situation.

Earlier yesterday, the district administration had clamped the Section 144 around the town with effect from 5 PM, in view of the tense situation over a flag procession on occasion of the Ram Navami.

Sources said on the auspicious occasion, a group of people were preparing to take out an ‘Akhada’ procession to a Shiva temple in Ward-4 of Joda town. However, they were denied permission by police for the procession. Though they later approached the  police to take out the procession with only five participants, the cops denied the same.

Protesting this, the group sat on a dharna blocking the road in front of Hanuman temple. After a while, few of the protestors marched towards carrying the flags. A clash erupted when another group of people intercepted them in the market area. The two groups pelted stones and hurled bottles at each other.

As per sources over 12 people were injured in the violence. Later, police intervened to bring the situation under control.