Cuttack, Odisha: Congress MLA Sofia Firdous on Monday strongly condemned the recent incidents of violence in Cuttack, calling on authorities to take the strictest action against those responsible. Speaking to ANI, she expressed shock over the vandalism of ordinary shops and the unrest that unfolded during Durga Puja immersion festivities.
“We all condemn the unfortunate incidents that have occurred in Cuttack city over the last two days. Yesterday, too, the way ordinary shops were vandalised, violence occurred… This kind of scene is very shocking for us,” Firdous said. She emphasised the need to restore peace quickly, adding, “This is our clear demand, and all those involved should be found and the strictest possible action should be taken against them. They should be punished… We celebrate all the pujas and festivals together in Cuttack… We will bring back peace. Where peace exists, there is progress.”
Law enforcement response
Cuttack Additional Deputy General of Law and Order (ADG), Sanjay Kumar, stated that the situation in the city had returned to normal following clashes during the Durga Puja immersion. A total of six arrests have been made so far, with additional arrests expected in separate cases.
Kumar clarified that the incident was not communal in nature but a clash between two groups, which also resulted in several police officers being injured. The culprits have been identified through CCTV footage and various digital platforms, and authorities are working to apprehend others involved.
“Curfew has been implemented to prevent violence from escalating, and approximately 50 platoons of police force have been deployed, with 10 platoons on standby. CAPF companies have also been deployed,” Kumar said, highlighting the extensive measures taken to maintain law and order.
Internet shutdown to curb misinformation
The internet shutdown in the city was a precautionary step to prevent the spread of rumours on social media. The ADGP explained that a small number of individuals were misusing digital platforms to circulate false information, which had the potential to escalate tensions.
“The situation remains completely peaceful and is expected to continue in this manner… A handful of people were misusing the internet. They were spreading false rumours on various social media channels. To stop them, the internet has been temporarily shut down, and you may have noticed that the misinformation has stopped,” Kumar stated.
Curfew and festival management
The clashes occurred during the Durga Puja immersion procession, resulting in injuries and property damage. A 36-hour curfew has been imposed, and senior police officers, along with the Chief Minister, are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
Authorities have reiterated that peaceful celebrations and normalcy are being restored, and citizens are urged to cooperate with law enforcement while the investigations proceed.
Conclusion
The recent unrest in Cuttack underscores the importance of strict law enforcement and proactive measures during large public events. With curfew in place, enhanced police deployment, and monitoring of digital channels, authorities aim to maintain peace and public order. Political leaders, including Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, have stressed the need for swift and stringent action against those responsible to ensure safety and stability in the city during festive occasions.