A City Shaken by Celebration Turned Chaos
Cuttack – one of the odisha’s oldest and most culturally vibrant cities is now facing uneasy clam after what should have been a moment of celebration turned into a scene of unrest. During the recent durga puja idol immersion procession, a disagreement over loud music and procession routes reportedly escalated into a clash between tow local groups, leaving several people injured and causing widespread tension across the city.
Eyewitnesses said the situation spiralled out of control with in minutes, forcing the police to intervene with lathi charge to disperse croweds and prevent futher damage. what began as a cultural to disperse crowds and prevent further damage. what began as a clutural festival meant to unite peopal across communities, quickly took an unfortunate turn.
Internet Ban Social Media Restrictions
In the wake of the voilence the odisha government imposed a 24-hour social media ban in several areas of cuttack to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation. Platforms like Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagrm, and X(Twitter) were temporarily restricted to maintain peace and public safety.
Authorities stated that “false and inflammatory content circulsting online” had the potential to worsen the situation. internet services were also suspended temporarily across the city – a step rarely taken, but seen as necessary in the circumstances.
Police Commissionerate officials confirmed that extra forces were deployed, including rapid-action units and additional patrols in sensitive areas, to ensure normalcy returns as soon as possible.
Calls for Peace and Political Reactions
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged residents to remain calm and not fall for divisive narratives. “Odisha has always stood for unity in diversity,” he said, calling for communal harmony.
Local religious leaders from both communities have also appealed for restraint and urged people to cooperate with the authorities.
Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced a 12-hour bandh (shutdown) in Cuttack, protesting against what they claim was a “failure of the administration” in handling the situation. Shops, schools, and local transport are expected to be affected, though essential services will continue as usual.
Police have warned that any attempt to disturb peace during the bandh will be dealt with strictly.
Cuttack’s Historical Harmony Under Strain
For decades, Cuttack has been known for its communal harmony and cultural diversity. Festivals like Durga Puja, Eid, and Diwali have always been celebrated side by side a reflection of the city’s deep rooted unity.
However, this recent incident has reminded many residents of how fragile peace can become in the age of misinformation and social media outrage.
Community elders from both sides have stepped forward to restore trust. Local peace committees are being re-activated to rebuild communication between neighbourhoods and prevent further divisions.
Human Stories Behind the Headlines
Beyond the headlines and official statements, there are ordinary people caught in the middle of the chaos.
Small business owners in areas like Jobra, College Square, and Chauliaganj have suffered financial losses due to curfews and shop closures. Families have had to cancel travel plans, and students preparing for exams found themselves affected by sudden internet cuts.
One shopkeeper described the night of the clash as “the scariest moment in years.” Another resident said, “We’ve always lived peacefully here this was not who we are as a city.”
Such voices remind us that behind every breaking news story, there are countless people longing simply for peace and normal life.
What’s Next for Cuttack?
Authorities are expected to review video footage from CCTV cameras and social media clips to identify the instigators behind the violence.
Local police have assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of spreading hate or false information.
The administration has also begun confidence building measures including joint community meetings, public awareness campaigns, and increased patrols during the upcoming festivals.
Civic groups are urging citizens to verify information before sharing it online and to rely only on official updates from credible sources.
Time to Heal, Not to Divide
Cuttack’s identity has always been built on coexistence — Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians living side by side for generations. The recent events serve as a painful reminder of how quickly misinformation and emotions can undo years of trust.
But there’s also hope. Across the city, people are coming together again, organising peace marches, and offering prayers for calm.
As one elderly resident put it beautifully:
“Festivals are meant to bring light — not fire. Let’s make sure this never happens again.”