Sundargarh Tense After Communal Clashes, Section 144 Imposed

Violent clashes between two communities in Sundargarh, Odisha, over an argument concerning food items, have left at least 12 people, including police personnel, injured. Authorities have detained two individuals and are searching for more suspects based on CCTV footage. To restore order, Section 144 has been imposed across the city, internet services are temporarily suspended until Friday evening, and all schools, colleges, and non-essential businesses are closed in the municipal area. Security has been significantly enhanced with 19 platoons of forces deployed. The administration is engaging with community leaders, appealing for peace, and reports that the situation is now under control with no further violence since Thursday evening.