Is Odisha's Peaceful Image Under Threat? CM Reviews Law and Order

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Majhi highlights the importance of maintaining peace in Odisha.
- Police are instructed to be vigilant against anti-social elements.
- Community engagement is essential for restoring harmony.
- Normalcy has returned to Cuttack, but caution remains necessary.
- Justice for victims is a priority for the state administration.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (NationPress) In light of the recent claims regarding the declining law and order situation in Odisha, particularly following the communal unrest in Cuttack and the assassination of a BJP leader in Berhampur, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who oversees the Home Department, expressed on Wednesday that certain vested interests are trying to undermine the reputation of Odisha, a state renowned for its peace.
During a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, Majhi reviewed the state's law-and-order dynamics.
The Chief Minister instructed the police force to maintain a close watch on anti-social elements, troublemakers, and other suspicious individuals throughout Odisha.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, CM Majhi reiterated that certain vested interests are attempting to mar the image of Odisha, recognized as a harmonious state.
He stressed the importance of firmly addressing such groups and directed senior police officials to stay alert regarding these anti-social elements.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the situation in Cuttack has stabilized.
The curfew has been lifted, and internet connectivity in the Cuttack area has been restored. Nonetheless, CM Majhi urged the police to remain alert and avoid any sense of complacency, despite the normalization in the region.
He further tasked the Odisha police with ongoing patrols and the deployment of forces in all sensitive areas.
The Chief Minister advised senior police officers to actively engage with leaders from various community groups to ensure complete restoration of communal harmony in the “City of Brotherhood.”
Notably, Majhi had previously called on Cuttack's citizens to work towards re-establishing peace and order in a city celebrated for its communal brotherhood.
Expressing sorrow over the tragic murder of lawyer and social activist late Pitabas Panda from Berhampur, CM Majhi urged the police to promptly apprehend the perpetrators.
He also instructed the police to ensure that the offenders face justice and receive appropriate punishment.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister’s Advisor and police chief Prakash Mishra, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, Director General of Police Y. B. Khurania, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shashwat Mishra, along with other senior police officials.