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Odisha Village Tensions Ease After Peace Panel Orders Prayer Hall Relocation Review

Officials report the church unlocked with police maintaining order.

Overview

  • A village peace committee in Kapena gave 15 days for a decision on shifting a house-turned prayer hall that villagers say sits on common land.
  • District authorities say the premises were reopened after talks and described the situation as normal while keeping two police platoons on site.
  • Local Christians alleged a group disrupted prayers, locked the hall, issued threats, and assaulted two youths identified as Jaladhar Santa and Mohan Santa.
  • Police acknowledged tensions and said no initial written complaint was on file, with one report noting a complaint was later lodged and then withdrawn after the meeting.
  • Residents and officials cited a dispute over use of gochar land and plans for a seven-day havan near the Mati Maa sacred grove in February as flashpoints.