Bhadrak's Kantabania Square unscathed by communal riots

BHUBANESWAR: As arson and riots broke out in Bhadrak town over an objectionable social media post, Kantabania Square, the most sensitive locality of the town, was an exception. Not a single incident of violence was reported from the area inhabited by members of different religions, thanks to the proactive efforts of a group of men led by Mohammad Abdul Istar, a lawyer.
Istar pasted two posters written in Odia in front of his house appealing for peace.“Danga nuhen shanti chahun: Bhadrak basi (We want peace not riots: Residents of Bhadrak),” said one of the posters. “Bhaichara Bhadrak basi shanti chanhanti (Residents of Bhadrak believe in brotherhood, want peace),” said the other.
Danga nuhen shanti chahun: Bhadrak basi. (TOI image)
“After peace committee meetings failed, some miscreants started burning shops across the town. They ransacked shops of both the communities, forcing the administration to clamp prohibitory orders followed by curfew. But most of the residents did not support violence,” Istar told TOI. “Some miscreants, taking advantage of the situation, spread violence, burnt houses and looted shops. In our locality, we gathered all youths and decided not to allow any violence in our area and protect each other,” he said.
He recalled in 1991 when communal violence spread in the town it started from Kantabania where the first shop was burnt near Idgaah field. Since then the area, right at the centre of the town, is considered one of the most sensitive pockets. Around 200 Muslim families and 50 Hindu families, including a sweeper colony, have been residing at Kantabania for years. A mosque and two temples exist within 200-metre radius.
“In the wake of violence in other parts of the town, we formed several groups and took charge of specific areas and remained vigilant to prevent any mishap. When curfew was imposed, residents of Sweeper Colony wanted to leave their homes but we assured them of safety and security. We convinced them that if they leave the area, a wrong message would go out that Hindus have fled from a Muslim-dominated area out of fear. This may further spark violence. Many Muslim youths supplied essential commodities from a shop owned by member of a minority group during curfew,” he said.
At least three attempts to set fire to a wood mill were foiled due to alertness and unity of the residents. “Though late, police tried to restrain anti-social elements. Finally, we could protect not only our families but also our Hindu brothers and sisters,” he said. “Thanks to the prevailing amity among communities, Kantabania was not affected by the riots,” said Dasarathi Prusty, a local.