Imphal West additional district magistrate N Johnson Meetei on Sunday issued prohibitory orders that the public is prohibited from taking out procession, rally, protests, gatherings, public meetings using loud speakers etc. within the jurisdiction of Imphal West district with immediate effect.
The order is issued in exercise of the powers vested under Section 144 of Cr.P.C as a measure of emergency, the order stated. Prior permission for organising processions, rally, lawful gatherings, public meetings using loud speakers etc. must be obtained from the competent authority, i.e., the district magistrate concerned, it mentioned.
Certain groups of people are reportedly planning to organise processions, rallies, sit-in-protests, public meetings using loudspeakers, etc., and resort to other agitation methods in the city, it stated.
There is an apprehension that such groups, organisations, unions may cause obstruction, annoyance or injury to the persons lawfully employed or other general public and endanger human life and property, disturb public peace and tranquility and cause riots and affrays, it further stated.
Taking out procession, rally, protests, strikes, public meetings using loudspeakers raising slogans by gathering and assembly of five or more people etc. within the jurisdiction of Imphal West district would cause obstruction, annoyance or injury to persons lawfully employed or other general public, disturb public peace and tranquility and cause riots and affrays and that immediate action is necessary for the prevention of the same, it added.
The order shall not apply to the police or paramilitary or military persons or any other government servants on official duties, processions or meetings for which prior permission in writing of the district magistrate concerned has been obtained.
It will not apply to customary and ritualistic procession in connection with weddings and funerals as well as activities conducted by various departments of the government.
Similar orders have been reportedly issued in all districts except for Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenlong.
