Balasore: The Balasore district administration in Odisha imposed section 144 near Sunahat area following a group clash on the occasion of Eid al-Adha today.

The restriction is in force between Madhuamill Chhak and Patrapada Chhak on the outskirts of Balasore town to prevent any untoward incident. The locals have been advised to stay indoors during the period.

Balasore SP Sagarika Nath rushed to the tension site to monitor the law-and-order situation.

According to reports, a few members of the two groups indulged in an altercation during the Eid celebration, which is known as Bakri Eid, that led to a violent clash on the road. The violence was spread rapidly to nearby areas causing extensive damage to private properties.

Source said that around 4-5 motorcycles and one car were damaged, and shops were ransacked. The mob even attacked the police personnel.

Expressing concern over the incident, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi discussed with Balasore Collector and directed him to take strong action to bring the situation under control.

"Odisha is a peace-loving state. The peace and order will not be allowed to be disrupted under any circumstances," Majhi said, appealing to all to maintain peace and order by maintaining brotherhood.

As per instruction of the district collector, all schools both government and private will remain closed tomorrow and will open next day on June 19 in Balasore district. From June 19 onwards, the schools will have morning classes from 6.30 am to 10.30 am until further orders.