Jajpur: Following a group clash between residents of two villages under Panikoili police station in Jajpur district, police conducted a flag march in the affected areas on Saturday to restore peace and maintain law and order.

Nine persons from both groups have been arrested in connection with the clash, Jajpur Road Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sharat Chandra Patra said.

According to sources, the incident began two days ago when water used by one person while washing his face accidentally fell on another person. A heated argument followed and later turned into a physical altercation, leaving one person injured.

The incident subsequently escalated into a group clash involving residents of Badabiruhaan and Shagadi villages Following the clash, six platoons of police personnel were deployed in the area on the directions of Jajpur SP Yashpratap Shrimal.

The Jajpur Road SDPO and officers-in-charge of six police stations are monitoring the situation and maintaining a close vigil to prevent any further escalation.

In view of the tension, the district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 in the affected area.

The flag march was conducted in both villages as part of efforts to restore peace and maintain law and order. Police also appealed to residents not to take the law into their own hands and to abide by the law.

A peace committee meeting involving residents of both villages has been planned to facilitate dialogue and restore normalcy.

Further investigation into the clash is underway.