Curfew imposed in Soro after Hindu-Muslim clash; 19 platoons deployed.

If Muslims cannot tolerate Hindu festivals, how can Hindus warmly appreciate Muslim festivals and Mosque Mike (loud-speaker) disturbance in Hindu areas.

Ganesh immersion attack by Muslims created Communal Tension in Soro (Odisha). Curfew imposed on Bakrid Day.

Amar Mohanti | HENB | Balasore | Sept 12, 2016::  Increasing Muslim population in Odisha is giving the Jihadi touch in recent times. Muslims in Odisha is also opposing the Hindu rituals, festivals and processions passing through Muslim locality and roads beside Mosques. The people of Soro NAC saw a severe communal tension and violence following a scuffle between Hindu and Muslim communities during immersion of Ganesh idols three days ago.

As a control over the situation, obviously apprehending law and order situation during Id-Ul-Zuha celebrations tomorrow (Tuesday, 13th September) in Soro town, the police on Monday imposed 12-hour curfew in the trouble-torn town.

Police said, no movements will be allowed inside the town during this time.

“Besides civil police personnel, 19 platoons of force have been deployed in the town to maintain law and order. DIG and ADG (law and order) are camping in the town to keep a close watch on the situation. The absolute curfew is from 6 pm today to 6 am tomorrow. No movement will be allowed during this period,” Balasore SP Niti Sekhar said.

Sources said, the curfew was necessitated keeping in mind the possible gathering by Muslim community in groups to observe the festival. As part of the celebration, muslims gather at shrines and mosques and take out jaloos (religious procession) around the town.

“In view of the festival of Muslim brothers tomorrow, we are allowing only congregation for prayers. But we have imposed restrictions on jaloos usually taken out by them on these occasions,” Balasore Collector Pramod Das said.

Officials on condition of anonymity said five shops in the town were torched last night despite imposition of section 144 of CrPC here. Police have detained some youths for their suspected involvement in the incident, sources said. As per source at least 9 persons have been arrested so far. Six cases have been filed for the untoward incidents in Soro.

The shops were set on fire after the peace committee meeting held in the presence of ADG, SP and local MLA where it was decided to extend cooperation towards restoring normalcy in the town, sources added.

Hindu people of Soro is now thinking the solution for such an Islamic upsurge and Jihadi mentality of the Muslims of Odisha. If Muslims cannot tolerate Hindu festivals, how can Hindus warmly appreciate Muslim festivals and Mosque Mike (loud-speaker) disturbance in Hindu areas. RSS and VHP units in Odisha are contemplating a bigger movement to stop Mosque activities in Hindu areas in Odisha as an aftermath of Soro incidents.

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__Input from Odisha TV.