Sambalpur: The State government today banned religious processions in western Odisha town of Sambalpur for a year in the backdrop of the communal violence that broke out during Hanuman Jayanti procession earlier this year.

Police Administration banned Muharram and Hanuman Jayanti processions in Sambalpur district for a period of one year, Superintendent of Police (SP) Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo said today.

However, all other religions will be allowed to take out processions as before, Bhamoo clarified.

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According to the top police official, this decision was taken in a meeting of the Peace Committee with an intention to maintain peace and keeping in view the law and order situation in the district as well.

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“It was necessary, keeping in mind the upcoming Muharram and Hanuman Jayanti festivals. The religious festivals can be observed with pomp and gaiety but no permission will be given for taking out any procession. Communal harmony is important to us and we want to maintain peace,” Sambalpur SP said.

It is pertinent to mention here that stones were pelted by a rival faction during a procession taken out on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti last year. The total number of arrests in connection with the violence in Sambalpur had reached over 100. Many arrested persons are still in jail.

Sambalpur administration had sealed the district borders sharing with Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Angul and Sonepur. Internet services were also suspended and curfew was clamped to bring the deteriorated law and order situation under control thereby restoring normalcy.