GUWAHATI: The Assam government has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the Patharkandi and Nilambazar police station areas of Sribhumi district. The decision was announced on Monday, April 7, hours after protests broke out in Nilambazar which led to an altercation between the police and the protestors.
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The orders have arrived following a report by the Superintendent of Police warning of potential unrest linked to recent demonstrations against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
District Magistrate Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi, IAS, cited concerns over public safety and law and order while issuing the directive. The has placed immediate restrictions on public gatherings and related activities to prevent any escalation of tensions in the affected areas.
It has also prohibited the assembly of five or more individuals without prior approval, bans protests and rallies, and restricts the use of loudspeakers without permission. It also bars the carrying of weapons or suspicious items and any obstruction of vehicular movement.
Speaking to GPlus, Sribhumi's Additional Superintendent of Police (HQ) confirmed the development. “The protestors had rallied together without any prior announcement, so the prohibitory orders were issued with immediate effect,” he said.
He further noted that the directive will remain in force until further notice.
Earlier in the same day, a large demonstration was held in Nilambazar, organised by several Muslim organisations demanding the repeal of the Waqf Amendment Act.
According to sources, over a thousand protestors had gathered at the Nilambazar Circle Officer’s office premises, raising slogans and voicing their disapproval of the legislative changes.
Tensions further flared when some protestors attempted to block National Highway No. 6, leading to a brief clash with security personnel.
In response, police and paramilitary forces were deployed swiftly, and the situation was brought under control. No major injuries or arrests were reported.
Following the incident, local leaders of the Kaibarta Muslim Organisation in Nilambazar had stated that the agitation would continue until the law is rolled back.
