The district administration on Tuesday relaxed curfew for nine hours as the situation in the communal riot-hit Bhadrak town was limping back to normal. The curfew was again imposed till Wednesday morning.
Government offices, banks, courts and educational institutions remained open on Tuesday though the attendances were thin. The CRPF, Rapid Action Force and Odisha police personnel continued to maintain vigil in sensitive areas of the town.
RDC AB Ota went to the educational institutions and supervised the proceedings. later, he said there was attendance of about 30 per cent in the educational institutions. But it will gradually improve as the parents are still apprehensive to send their wards outside their homes.
Addressing a Press conference, Ota informed that for the benefit of the patients medicine shops would remain open even during the curfew period. He further said a meeting would be held with the peace committee soon to restore peace in the town. However, the media would not be allowed in the meeting but would be briefed about the outcome.
The RDC also advised the media not to use provocative words, which could further flare up the situation. The damage suffered by the poor people during violence would be assessed and steps will be taken to compensate them, Ota said.
Meanwhile, the internet services which were blocked after provocative comments on social media by miscreants, resumed from Tuesdayevening after a review of the situation by the district administration.
However, the residents, though heaving a sigh of relief after the relaxation in prohibitory orders, said they were still afraid as they did not know how the situation would turn out on Wedneday. But most of them blamed the district administration for giving permission for a rally just after the peace committee meeting failed, which they alleged led to widespread violence.