Guwahati: Section 144 of the CrPC has been implemented in the Churachandpur district of Manipur following the vandalism and arson in the New Lamka area. Section 144 prohibitory orders were issued by the state administration, and they also ordered the immediate suspension of internet service throughout the district.
An order by the Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner read, “A total shutdown in Churachandpur district has been called by Indigenous Tribal Leader’s Form (ITLF) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm of April 28, 2023, and there is the likelihood of mobilization of the public for protest through social media and networking sites which could lead to escalation of public unrest and unlawful activities in Churachandpur District.”
“Requested to kindly consider curbing/suspension of internet/mobile data in Churachandpur district with immediate effect and until the situation improves,” it further read.
“Five or more persons which are likely to turn unlawful/violent or the carrying of sticks, stones firearms and/or weapons of any description or objects which can be used as offensive weapons should be prohibited as an immediate measure that is likely a breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquillity and grave danger to human lives and properties,” read the order.
It should be noted that late on Thursday night, a rowdy mob damaged the location of Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s event in Churachandpur’s New Lamka area in protest of a state government-led eviction effort. The local police arrived on the scene right away and were able to control the mob’s damage. The protesters set fire to about 100 chairs at the event, and they also partially burned the freshly erected open gym at PT Sports Complex. The Chief Minister was scheduled to open this gym during his stay.
The incident happened in the middle of a shutdown that the Indigenous Tribe Leaders Forum had called for, demanding a complete shutdown of Churachandpur from 8 am to 4 pm. Following the incident, CM Singh declared that the offenders would face punishment.