A confrontation erupted between two groups in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, according to a senior police officer on Sunday.
The unrest occurred on Saturday evening in the tribal-dominated Palkonda village. The dispute reportedly centred on a prayer gathering being held by a specific group of residents, the police officer stated.
Raj Kishhore Dash, additional superintendent of police (ASP) of Malkangiri, explained, “The conflict began when members of the majority group requested that the other group move their prayer session to the village outskirts to accommodate a local puja scheduled within the village. The second group’s refusal sparked a heated argument.”
In the ensuing heat of the moment, members of the majority group reportedly damaged three houses belonging to the opposing group by removing their asbestos roofing. Dash stated that the district administration is currently overseeing the restoration of these roofs.
On receiving the information, a police force, along with senior officers of the district, rushed to the village and restored normalcy in the village, Dash said.
Two platoons of police force, including 60 personnel, have been deployed in the village, he said.
“We have registered a case against 25 people, including 10 identified individuals, for their alleged involvement in the violence. So far, five of them were arrested while a search is on to nab others,” the ASP said.
He further said that a peace committee meeting was organised in the village on Sunday, involving representatives from both factions and district administration officials.
In the meeting, both groups have agreed to live in peace and harmony with mutual understanding, he stated.
