Lok Bhavan in Kohima. The District Magistrate of Kohima, Nagaland, has declared Lok Bhavan and its adjoining areas a highly sensitive security zone, effective Wednesday, October 28, 2026, until further orders. (Photo Courtesy: Lok Bhavan Nagaland)
Security zone covers Lok Bhavan, NH-2 stretch from Box Cutting Junction to Classic Island; unauthorized assemblies banned; public access regulated
Kohima, October 27 (MExN): The District Magistrate of Kohima, Nagaland, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, declaring Lok Bhavan and its adjoining areas in Kohima a highly sensitive security zone requiring “regulated public access and heightened security measures.” The order comes into effect from Wednesday, October 28, 2026, until further orders.
The order, issued by District Magistrate B Henok Buchem (NCS), stated “credible information and materials on record indicate” that unauthorized assemblies or gatherings in the area are likely to obstruct the movement of security personnel, interfere with official duties, compromise security protocols and cause a breach of public peace and order.
The magistrate said he was satisfied that preventive measures were necessary to ensure public safety, maintain tranquility and secure the designated area.
Directives
Under the directives, assembly or gathering of persons without prior permission of the competent authority is strictly prohibited within the designated security zone.
No person shall obstruct or interfere with the movement of security personnel, authorised government officials, emergency services or any person lawfully authorized to access the area. Holding unauthorized meetings, processions, demonstrations, rallies or any activity that compromises security or disrupts public order is also strictly prohibited within the notified zone.
Magistrates, security personnel on duty, authorized government officials, emergency services and other persons specifically authorized by the competent authority have been exempted, subject to applicable security protocols. Every person within the notified area has been directed to “strictly comply with all lawful directions issued by the competent district and police authorities acting within their powers.”
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Kohima and the Magistrates have been directed to “strictly enforce the order. It cautioned that “any person violating these directives shall be liable for prosecution under the applicable provisions of the law.”
Designated areas
According to the schedule of the notified security zone, the designated area covers Lok Bhavan and its adjoining areas in Kohima, with boundaries running along National Highway-2 from Box Cutting Junction to Classic Island, and Ladies Mile Road from Classic Island to Box Cutting Island.
The order shall “remain in force until modified, extended or withdrawn by the competent authority,” and all concerned authorities and members of the public have been directed to take note of and comply with its provisions.
The prohibitory order coincides with a public gathering called by the Naga Youth Movement (NYM) at Lok Bhavan on the same day, seeking a time-bound response from the Governor on the implementation of the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position.
Whether the restrictions target the NYM is left unstated.
The NYM had submitted a memorandum to the Governor on July 8 with a three-month ultimatum ending October 8, and a second representation on October 13, neither of which received a response.
The movement has stated it is approaching the Governor as the representative of the Government of India to seek clarity on the delay in resolving the Naga political issue. Several youth organisations, have since advised their members against participating in the gathering in an official capacity.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the NYM announced that it was calling off the proposed October 28 public call after an “internal assessment” and plans to make the call “next time.”
