BHUBANESWAR: Amid fresh violence in Odisha's Sambalpur town, the Odisha government has imposed a curfew for an indefinite period.

The curfew was imposed late on Friday night when Sambalpur Sadar sub-collector Pravash Chandra Dandasena received feedback on the existing state of affairs.

In order to maintain peace and tranquility, the order states that "a state of curfew under Section 144 (1) CrPC is hereby declared," meaning that no one or group of people is allowed to leave their homes.

With immediate effect and until further orders, the curfew has been enforced in the six Sambalpur police station area of Dhanupali, Khetrajpur, Ainthapali, Bareipali, and Sadara.

No person or group of people are allowed to exit their houses during the curfew period. However, the district administration has made it possible for residents to  buy essential items during 8 am to 10 am. and 3.30 pm. to 5.30 pm.

The Sub-Collector issued a warning, saying, "It is also to be noted that strict action as per law would be initiated against the violators of this aforementioned order."

Earlier, the state administration had shut off internet access for 48 hours starting on Thursday throughout the entire area. Brijesh Kumar Rai, DIG (north central range), reported that some stores were set on fire and plundered on Friday night.

Hence, the administration decided to clamp the curfew to restore peace and normalcy in the region following the violence in the city.

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