The Manipur government has reimposed a night curfew in Imphal under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Effective from Sunday, September 1, the curfew will be in force from 10 pm to 7 am every day until further notice.
The decision comes in light of recent developments related to law and order in the district.
The latest order, issued by the Additional District Magistrate of Imphal West district, Shamim Ahmad Shah, on Saturday, stated that the restriction on the movement of the general public outside their residences would be lifted from 7 am to 10 pm for all areas within the Imphal West district on Sunday.
However, strict curfew regulations will be in place during the night hours to ensure public safety and maintain order.
The order explained that the relaxation of the curfew during the day was necessary to allow the public to purchase essential items, such as food and medicines.
It emphasised that while the movement of individuals is permitted during the relaxed hours, any gathering, sit-in protest, rally, or similar activity would require prior approval from the competent authority.
The order noted, "The relaxation will not include any gathering, sit-in protest, rally, etc., without obtaining approval through a competent authority."
This measure is intended to prevent any potential disruption to public peace and security.
Exemptions for essential services
The curfew will not apply to those involved in essential services, including healthcare, electricity, water supply, petrol pumps, educational institutions, media, and court operations.
Moreover, the movement of flight passengers to and from the airport, as well as contractors and workers with valid Airport Entry Permit (AEP) cards, will be exempted from the curfew restrictions.
These exemptions aim to ensure that essential services continue to function smoothly despite the restrictions.
Background of curfew orders
The Office of the District Magistrate issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, through Cril. Misc. Case No 4 of 2024 dated August 31, 2024.
The order imposed restrictions on the movement of any person outside their residences in the Imphal West district from September 1, 2024, onwards, until further notice.
Initially, the curfew was set to begin at 7 am on Sunday, but following fresh inputs regarding law and order, the curfew timings were revised to start from 10 pm to 7 am every day.
The public has been advised to stay indoors during the curfew hours and avoid venturing outside without valid reasons.
The reimposition of the curfew follows an earlier order by the District Magistrate of Imphal West District, Th Kirankumar, who issued directives on Saturday prohibiting the movement of people outside their homes and banning any activities that could disrupt law and order in the district.
The order, enforced under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, was issued in response to a letter from the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West.
The letter (No. 6/14/SP-1W/2024/11387) dated August 28, 2024, raised concerns about the likelihood of a serious breach of peace, disturbances to public tranquillity, riots, or affrays in the area, posing a grave danger to human lives and property due to the unlawful activities of some anti-social elements.
The letter requested an extension of prohibitory orders under Sub-section (2) of Section 163 BNSS, 2023, across the entire Imphal West district.
The order further stated that such disturbances could result in serious breaches of peace, public tranquillity, and danger to human lives and properties. The order would not apply to government agencies involved in law enforcement and other essential services, it clarified.
Special permissions and emergencies
In cases of emergencies or for those wishing to organise processions for weddings, funerals, or other events within the restricted area, applications must be submitted to the District Magistrate or the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, for permission.
The order specifies that no procession should take place without obtaining written permission from the relevant authorities.
The order was issued under Sub-section (1) of Section 163 BNSS, 2023, and continues the prohibitory orders outlined in Cril. Misc Case No. 3 of 2024 dated July 1. The directive was passed ex-parte under Sub-section (2) of Section 163 BNSS, 2023, and is addressed to the general public, urging them to comply with the curfew regulations to maintain peace and order in the region.
The authorities have warned that any violations of the curfew orders will result in strict legal action. The curfew has been imposed to ensure public safety and prevent any escalation of tension in the area.
The government is closely monitoring the situation, and any decision to lift or extend the curfew will be based on an assessment of the prevailing law and order situation.
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