Assam: Prohibitory order in Cachar amid escalating tensions over Waqf Act

Guwahati: In view of escalating tensions and the looming threat to public peace arising from recent protests against the Waqf amendment Act, the District Administration of Cachar has clamped prohibitory order.

Acting on the report submitted by the Superintendent of Police, Cachar, which raised serious concerns about the potential disruption of public tranquility, Mridul Yadav, District Magistrate of Cachar, has promulgated urgent prohibitory measures across the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

With immediate effect, any assembly of five or more individuals without prior permission has been strictly prohibited. The order also imposes a ban on organizing agitation programmes such as bandhs, rallies, strikes, dharnas, and demonstrations unless officially authorized. Additionally, the carrying of weapons, explosives, or any suspicious materials has been forbidden to ensure public safety and prevent untoward incidents.


Further, the order clamps down on traffic disruptions, specifically targeting illegal parking and obstruction of roadways, which have often accompanied mass mobilizations in the past. Use of loudspeakers or high-decibel sound instruments without due authorization has also been restricted to curb noise pollution and avoid public nuisance.

Terming the situation exigent, the order has been passed ex-parte, emphasizing the urgency and gravity of the matter. The District Magistrate has warned that any violation of this directive shall invite strict action under relevant legal provisions.

Police personnel were attacked in Kailashahar, the headquarters of Unakoti district in Tripura on Saturday by the mob protesting the Waqf Amendment Act.

A violent scuffle broke out between protestors and police personnel while a protest rally was organised in against the the Act. Several policemen and protestors were injured.