In response to growing concerns over potential disruptions and threats to public peace in Karbi Anglong, the District Magistrate, Smti. Nirola Phangchopi, has enacted a comprehensive Prohibitory Order aimed at maintaining harmony across the district. This move comes amid reports of possible obstruction, annoyance, and injury instigated by certain individuals and organizations, raising fears of escalating communal and ethnic tensions in West Karbi Anglong.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the (BNSS) Act on December 22, 2025, addresses the prevailing situation where anti-social elements and groups threaten to disturb public tranquility. The directive prohibits multiple activities that could compromise public safety, including unauthorized gatherings, processions, and inflammatory actions that may incite unrest.
Key Prohibitions Highlighted in the District Magistrate’s Order:
The Prohibitory Order explicitly restricts the following activities throughout Karbi Anglong:
- Obstruction, picketing, rallies, or torchlight processions in front of government offices, public places, or areas of public importance.
- Assemblies or gatherings of five or more people without prior authorization.
- Possession or carrying of firearms and explosives capable of causing injury or danger.
- The use or bursting of firecrackers in public spaces such as roads, bus and railway stations, which could potentially disrupt peace.
- Public meetings, protests, and demonstrations held without official permission from the District Magistrate.
- Delivery of inflammatory speeches or display of communal, anti-state, or anti-national banners and posters, including any provocative wall writings.
- Use of loudspeakers or microphones without formal authorization.
- Restriction on the movement of individuals and vehicles between 5:00 PM and 6:00 AM across the district, a measure introduced to prevent night-time disturbances.
These restrictions are designed to counteract any attempts to incite violence or disrupt public safety, with strict enforcement outlined for violations under the BNSS provisions.
Important Exceptions and Continuing Services:
Recognizing the necessity of certain services, the order exempts police, paramilitary, military personnel, and individuals involved in essential duties such as medical emergencies, ensuring they remain unhindered by these prohibitions. Additionally, critical activities such as university examinations, judicial court functions, and operations of government, semi-government, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and private offices will continue without interruption.
