The curfew in Balasore will be relaxed for just four hours from Thursday as tension continued in the town, 48 hours after a clash broke out between two communities over alleged animal slaughter.

However, no major violence was reported from any part of the town in the last 24 hours. But the lives of locals turned miserable with shops and business establishments remaining closed for the last two days.

Balasore superintendent of police (SP) Sagarika Nath told The Telegraph: “The situation is under control. We will relax the curfew for four hours from 7am to 11am, Thursday onwards. Dedicated Internet connection for offices and business establishments will be restored for 48 hours from Thursday. After reviewing the situation, we will open the Internet service for all.”

She said: “So far 34 people have been arrested and another 35 people have been detained. Currently, 40 platoons of police forces are deployed in Balasore. Six more BSF platoons will arrive soon to assist the district police.”

The availability of essential commodities is scarce and vegetables are being sold at high prices. Following the disconnection of the Internet, students and locals are facing many problems.

Sibdas Kundu, a Balasore-based journalist, said: “All the business establishments remained closed. It has become difficult to procure essential commodities. However, normalcy is limping back to the town. We are hopeful that the situation will be normal in the next 48 hours.”