Cuttack Tension: 36-Hour Curfew, Internet Blackout

Cuttack, one of Odisha’s oldest cities, has been gripped by unrest after violent clashes broke out between two groups over the weekend. The situation forced authorities to enforce a 36-hour curfew and temporarily suspend internet services across the region to control the spread of rumours and misinformation. What began as a local dispute has now turned into a city-wide security challenge, leaving residents anxious and streets deserted.

What Happened in Cuttack

According to officials, tensions first flared in the old quarters of Cuttack late on Saturday evening, when verbal arguments between two communities escalated into violent confrontations. Stones were reportedly thrown, property was damaged, and several people sustained injuries. Police had to deploy additional forces and use mild force to disperse crowds.

By Sunday morning, the unrest had spread to nearby localities, prompting the district administration to take immediate measures. A curfew covering major parts of the city was declared, restricting people from leaving their homes except for emergencies. Schools, shops, and offices were ordered to stay closed as a precaution.

Internet Blackout and Curfew Measures

The Odisha government also decided to impose an internet blackout across Cuttack, a move aimed at stopping the circulation of inflammatory videos and fake news that could worsen communal tension. Mobile internet, broadband, and even Wi-Fi services in some public areas have been cut off since Sunday.

District Collector Ananya Das said the step was necessary to “maintain public order and prevent the spread of provocative content.” She assured citizens that essential services like hospitals, pharmacies, and emergency transport would not be affected during the curfew.

Residents have been advised to remain indoors and cooperate with the authorities. Police teams are patrolling the city round the clock, and checkpoints have been set up in sensitive areas. Senior officials from the Odisha Police and CRPF are monitoring the situation closely.

Impact on Daily Life

The internet shutdown and curfew have brought Cuttack’s bustling life to a halt. Normally crowded markets such as Choudhury Bazaar and Dolmundai are eerily empty. University students have expressed concern over missing online classes and being unable to contact family members. Business owners say the blackout has hit online transactions and e-commerce deliveries.

Many residents have also raised worries about rumours spreading offline through word of mouth, as digital communication remains blocked. Some locals informed that while the restrictions are tough, they also understand the need for maintaining peace. “We just want calm to return quickly. This is our city, and nobody wants violence here,” said a shopkeeper in Buxi Bazaar.

Political and Administrative Response

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has appealed for peace and urged people not to believe unverified claims. He chaired an emergency meeting with top police and administrative officials to review the law-and-order situation. Opposition leaders, while condemning the violence, have criticised the administration for what they call a “slow response” in controlling the clashes early on.

Security analysts say that internet blackouts, although effective in the short term, highlight the growing challenge of managing misinformation in a connected society. Restricting communication, they argue, is an extreme but sometimes unavoidable step when public safety is at risk.

The Larger Picture

The incident in Cuttack raises broader questions about how communities can coexist peacefully in a world where digital misinformation spreads faster than fact. Experts say that while social media helps people stay informed, it can also amplify division when rumours circulate unchecked.

Educational initiatives encouraging digital literacy, community dialogues, and quicker fact-checking mechanisms could help prevent such flare-ups in future.

The Road Ahead

As of Monday morning, the situation in Cuttack appears tense but improving. The police have appealed for calm, and the administration is expected to review the curfew by Tuesday if no fresh violence is reported. Internet services might be restored gradually once peace is confirmed.

Citizens, however, remain cautious. For a city known for its cultural heritage, riverside beauty, and neighbourly spirit, these past days have been a reminder of how fragile peace can be when differences boil over.

For now, Cuttack waits—behind closed doors, disconnected from the digital world, and hoping stability returns soon.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies