Prohibitory order imposed in Sambalpur keeping in view ensuing Hanuman Jayanti festival

SAMBALPUR: Keeping in view the ensuing Hanuman Jayanti festival, prohibitory orders have been in Sambalpur town in Odisha to ward off any threat to religious harmony, an official said today.

"Provisions of section 144 CrPC is hereby imposed prohibiting carrying/display of arms during the religious and other processions in Sambalpur in order to preserve public safety, public peace and for maintenance of public order", an order issued by Sambalpur district Collector said.

Carrying of arms during religious processions in the town had witnessed communal tension thereby jeopardising law and order situation in certain areas in the past. Taking serious account of such situation, the district administration in various peace committee meetings had also advocated not to carry arms during religious and other processions.

However, in spite of such decision, the procession led by some organisation were deliberately trying to disturb the peace and tranquility of the town defying the order.

"It has been made to appear to me that such religious processions are likely to lead to communal dis-harmony in Sambalpur town in future if any organisation succeed in carrying/display of arms during procession," the order said.

Hanuman Jayanti, scheduled to be observed on April 14, is celebrated in a big way in this region.