Imphal, June 8, 2025: In response to escalating tensions and potential threats to public peace following the arrest of Arambai Tenggol's self-styled Army Chief, Kanan Singh, multiple district administrations in Manipur have enforced stringent restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
District Magistrates of Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur and Thoubal issued separate but similarly worded prohibitory orders on June 7, 2025, citing police intelligence that warned of likely riots, disturbances, and danger to public life and property. The orders, passed with immediate effect, prohibit public gatherings - generally of four or five or more people - in public spaces, and ban the carrying of weapons such as firearms, swords, sticks, or any items that can be used as offensive weapons. In some areas, movement outside one's residence has also been restricted. These measures have been taken as urgent preventive steps to curb any escalation of unrest and to safeguard peace and public order.
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| Demonstrators attempted self-immolation in a dramatic protest against the arrest |
The restrictions do not apply to government agencies involved in law enforcement or essential services. For emergencies such as funerals and marriages, prior written permission must be obtained from the respective district authorities. The orders were issued ex-parte, without prior public notice, due to the emergency nature of the situation and will remain in force until further notice.
Additionally, to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent further escalation, the Government of Manipur has suspended mobile internet services in five districts - Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Thoubal, and Bishnupur as a precautionary measure. Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate with enforcement agencies to help restore peace.
