District Magistrate Kiphire, Temsuwati Longkumer has imposed prohibitory restrictions across Pungro Sub-Division, excluding Khongsa Block but including Kiusam Circle, amid reports of emerging tensions between members of the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities in parts of the district.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, cited concerns over a possible escalation of tensions and threats to public order, communal harmony and public safety, particularly in areas where the two communities coexist, including Zaonger, Pokphur and Longtsunger.
The prohibitory order, which came into immediate effect, aims to take immediate preventive measures to avert any untoward incident, prevent the assembly of persons for unlawful or confrontational purposes, and maintain peace and tranquility in the affected areas
Under the order, the assembly of five or more persons is prohibited where it is likely to cause a breach of peace, disturb public tranquility or aggravate inter-community tensions. Carrying firearms, weapons, sharp-edged implements or other objects likely to cause injury or intimidation is also prohibited, except by authorised personnel performing official duties.
The order further prohibits rallies, processions, public gatherings and other activities likely to provoke confrontation or incite hostility or disturb communal harmony without prior written permission from the competent authority, wherever such permission is legally permissible.
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The circulation of statements, messages, rumours or other material intended or likely to incite violence, promote hostility between communities or disturb public order has also been prohibited. Acts of intimidation, provocation, mobilisation or confrontation that could endanger public safety are similarly barred.
Authorised security and law-enforcement personnel performing their official duties are exempted from the restrictions. Other gatherings or activities may be exempted in writing by the competent authority, subject to applicable law and necessary safeguards.
The Superintendent of Police, Kiphire, along with Executive Magistrates and Area Administrative Officers, has been directed to ensure strict enforcement in coordination with the police and other concerned authorities.
The District Magistrate has also appealed to village authorities, community leaders and members of the public to cooperate with the administration, exercise restraint and refrain from provocative activities and assist in maintaining peace, communal harmony and public tranquility.
The order would remain in force for the period prescribed by law unless modified, extended or rescinded earlier by the competent authority. Violations would invite action under applicable provisions of laws, the District Magistrate stated.
