As the violence-hit town turned near normal, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday visited Bhadrak and promised stern action against those responsible for violence and full compensation to all who suffered loss.
Amid a nine-hour relaxation period of curfew, Patnaik toured the violence-hit areas, interacted with the affected people and enquired into damages due to violence triggered by alleged abusive remarks against Hindu deities on social media. After reviewing the situation with senior officials, the chief minister said those responsible for the violence would be punished.
Further, the state government would take strong steps to counter the divisive forces creating discord and violence in the name of religion and bringing misery to the peace loving people of Odisha, he said.
Appealing to the people to maintain peace and harmony, the chief minister said full compensation would be provided to the people affected in the violence and new vending zones constructed for rehabilitation of the affected street vendors.
The administration was directed to make proper assessment of damage and loss caused by violence for early compensation.
Before holding the review meeting at the district collectorate, Patnaik walked through areas like Puruna Bazar, Chandan Bazar and Apartibindha where people turned out in large numbers to narrate their plight.