Sambalpur, Apr. 20 (PTI) The Odisha government on Thursday extended the shutdown of internet services in Sambalpur district for another 48 hours as normalcy is fast returning to the violence-hit western Odisha city.

According to a new order issued by the state home department, internet services will be suspended till 10 am on April 22. However, broadband and leased lines in West Odisha district, including Sambalpur city, will be functional from Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm.

The administration suspended internet services across the district following violent clashes between two communities during a bike rally in Sambalpur town on April 12 and Hanuman Jayanti celebrations on April 14.

Internet service has been disabled in the district to prevent the spread of rumours. Several people, including 10 policemen, were injured in the bilateral clashes in the city. A tribal youth was reportedly killed in the encounter. However, the police say that the killing of the tribal youth is not related to the violence.

Meanwhile, reports of burning of two makeshift shops in the city were verified by the police.

Sambalpur District Collector Ananya Das and SP Gangadhar held separate meetings of elders from various colonies and sought their help to resolve the issue to bring back complete normalcy in Sambalpur city.

Following the clashes, the administration imposed a curfew in Sambalpur from April 14 midnight, which remains in force till now. However, the curfew has been relaxed since Wednesday. PTI COR AAM RG