Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) were imposed at two villages in Sanakhemundi block of Ganjam district in Odisha on Thursday following a clash over a piece of land being claimed by two neighbouring villages.
The Ganjam district administration imposed the restraining order to control the situation, said Berhampur Sub-collector Avinash Kumar, who visited the spot after tension prevailed in the area following a clash over land ownership, leading to a road blockade by the protestors.
Reports said the local administration imposed curbs under BNS 163, restricting gatherings and any form of public assembly in Singipur and Ratnamanipur villages .
At least three platoons (one platoon comprises of 30 personnel) of security forces from Digapahandi and nearby police stations have been deployed in the area to control the situation, officials said.
As a precautionary measure, the police also conducted a flag march in both villages to reassure locals and prevent any further flare-ups.
The clash between the villagers of Singipur and Ratnamanipur has erupted on Thursday as the sides claimed the land.
The land dispute began when Singipur villagers proposed using the plot for a bus stand, which was opposed by Ratnamanipur villagers who want it developed into a park. Hundreds of people from both the villages gathered and reportedly threw stones at each other, injuring at least two people.
“The situation was under control. We are trying to convince the villages to maintain peace,” said Kumar.
