Nagaland: Prohibitory orders imposed amid tensions between communities
Kiphire, October 10 (MExN): The District Magistrate of Kiphire has imposed prohibitory orders across the 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.
In an order issued in October 10, District Magistrate and Deptuy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, citing apprehensions of possible escalation and breach of peace, with potential implications for public order, communal harmony and public safety.
As per the order, the prohibition covers areas where the two communities coexist, including Zaonger, Pokphur and Longtsungser, and prohibits activities considered likely to aggravate existing tensions or disturb public tranquillity.
Under the order, the assembly of five or more persons is prohibited where such gatherings are likely to cause a breach of peace, disturb public tranquillity or aggravate inter-community tensions.
Carrying of 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 stated.
It further prohibited rallies, processions, public gatherings and other activities likely to provoke confrontation or hostility without prior written permission from the competent authority, wherever such permission is legally required.
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.
The order also added that acts of intimidation, provocation, mobilisation or confrontation likely to endanger public safety or disrupt the prevailing law-and-order situation are similarly barred.
However, authorised security and law-enforcement personnel performing official duties, as well as gatherings or activities specifically exempted in writing by the competent authority, are restrictions exempt, subject to applicable law and necessary safeguards, the order said.
The Superintendent of Police, Kiphire, Executive Magistrates and Area Administrative Officers have been directed to ensure strict enforcement in coordination with local police and other relevant authorities.
The District Magistrate has also appealed to village authorities, community leaders and the public to cooperate with the administration, exercise restraint and refrain from provocative activities to maintain peace and communal harmony.
The order came into force with immediate effect and will remain in force for the period prescribed by law, unless modified, extended or rescinded earlier by the competent authority. Violations will invite action under applicable law, the order added.
Key prohibitions under Kiphire DM’s order
• Assembly of five or more persons likely to disturb peace
• Carrying weapons or objects likely to cause injury or intimidation
• Rallies and public gatherings likely to provoke hostility without required permission
• Circulation of provocative messages or rumours
• Intimidation, mobilisation or confrontation threatening public safetyApplies to
• Pungro Sub-Division, excluding Khongsa Block but including Kiusam CircleEffective
• Immediately
