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Authorities impose curfew in India's Odisha state following communal violence

Xinhua, April 8, 2017 Adjust font size:

Authorities in India's eastern state of Odisha Saturday imposed curfew and prohibitory orders following violence and clashes between two communities, officials said.

The curfew has been put in place in Bhadrak district, about 126 km northeast of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha.

"The curfew has been announced last evening after clashes broke out between two communities," a police official posted in Bhadrak said. "The situation is tense but under control."

Reports said clashes broke out in the town over alleged derogatory remarks posted by some people on social networking site against Hindu deities.

The state's Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has appealed for calm and harmony.

"I sincerely appeal to all in Bhadrak for peace and harmony," Patnaik wrote on twitter. "Have directed stringent action against any attempt to disrupt peace."

Patnaik is currently in New Delhi to attend a meeting.

Top civil and police officials have rushed to the district to contain situation from deteriorating.

The unrest began after members of Hindu fundamentalist groups took to roads, burning tyres and torching shops.

Reports said the members clashed with police and threw stones on them, injuring some police personnel.

Additional contingents of police force were deployed in Bhadrak and adjacent areas as precautionary measure.

Reports said the town wore a deserted look as offices, shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed in wake of curfew and violence. Endit