Two companies of Central security forces would soon reach Bhadrak to assist the State police in maintaining law and order in the wake of the communal tension in the district headquarters town.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan informed this at a Press meet held in New Delhi on Saturday. He said the Union Home Secretary informed this after he talked to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the Secretary about the Bhadrak situation.
Pradhan requested Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to take appropriate steps so that the issue could be resolved amicably between the two communities.
He too requested residents of Bhadrak to remain calm and not to hurt each other’s sentiments so that peace could prevail.
When asked to comment on BJD MP Tathagata Satpahty’s remark that a national party is responsible for the Bhadrak situation, Pradhan said, “All should take responsibility to maintain law order in Bhadrak. Nobody should behave like a joker. The MP’s party doesn’t give him importance. Hence, I don’t want to take his comment seriously.”
Congress leader and leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra said a few antisocial elements intentionally created unrest on religious lines in Bhadrak.
He said some politicians and groups are also deliberately adding fuel to the fire for political gains. “I strongly condemn it and request the people of Bhadrak to try sincerely to restore peace, respecting the secular traditions of the State.”
“I hope the State Government would take stringent measures according to law against the rioters and immediately restore peace in the town,” Mishra added.