Tura, January 23: The West Garo Hills district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in several areas of the district following reports of an assault on members of a non-governmental organisation and apprehensions of communal tension.
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According to an official order issued by District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal, the incident was reported from the Goalgaon area under Rajabala Police Station. The situation raised concerns over a potential breach of peace and public tranquillity, particularly in parts of the plain belt of West Garo Hills.
The order noted that recent incidents of tension in mixed-population areas have reportedly arisen due to miscommunication, leading to increasing mistrust among communities and heightened public anxiety. In view of the prevailing circumstances, the district administration stated that urgent preventive measures were necessary to avert any untoward incident and maintain law and order.
As per the prohibitory order, the assembly of five or more persons has been banned. The carrying of arms or possession of objects that could be used as weapons, including sticks, rods, and stones, has also been prohibited. The restrictions will remain in force from 6 pm on January 23 to 6 am until further notice in sensitive areas falling under the jurisdictions of Hallidayganj, Rajabala, Phulbari, and Tura police stations.
The order covers a total of 37 villages across the affected areas.
The district administration warned that any violation of the prohibitory order would attract penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws. The order has been issued ex-parte and has come into force with immediate effect.
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Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the administration to ensure peace and harmony in the district.
