Bhadrak communal violence: Centre calls on Odisha CM to step up efforts

New Delhi [India], Apr. 8 (ANI): In the wake of the Section 144 imposed in Odisha's Bhadrak after protests broke out following a derogatory Facebook post against Lord Ram, the Centre on Saturday called on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to step up his efforts in containing the situation in the state. "I'm requesting the Chief Minister of Odisha to prevail upon the situation and instruct the administration to be neutral and fair and to take care of all the segments and sections of society. This is the time to have patience and faith on the system," Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told ANI here. He further appealed to the citizens of Bhadrak to maintain calm and be patient, adding that he has spoken to Home Minister Rajnath Singh and further assured that the Centre is extending its complete support to Odisha. Fresh violence erupted in some areas last evening after talks failed to resolve the row triggered by alleged abusive remarks on social media against a particular community. Mobs resorted to violence a day after prohibitory orders were imposed in the town on Thursday. Though Section 144 was imposed in the town, officials had to clamp curfew as the situation deteriorated further. About 15 platoons of police have been deployed. Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar, who was scheduled to attend a function in Bhadrak today, cancelled his trip after requests by the local police. (ANI)