Manipur: Procession, rally, protest or public meetings using loudspeakers prohibited in Imphal East with immediate effect

The district magistrate in a notification said that an assembly of more than five people has the potential to disturb public peace in the district and that immediate action is necessary for the prevention of the same.

"Now, therefore, I, the undersigned, in exercise of the powers vested under Section 144 of Cr. P.C., do hereby order as a measure of emergency that the public in general or any member thereof is prohibited from taking out procession, rally, protest, unlawful gatherings/public meetings using loud speakers etc. within the jurisdiction of Imphal East district with immediate effect," the notification from Imphal East administration read.

"Further, prior permission for organizing processions, rally, lawful gatherings/public meetings using loudspeakers etc. must be obtained from the Competent Authority, i.e., the District Magistrate concerned. Provided that the above order shall not apply to: a) The police or Paramilitary or military persons or any other Government servants on official duties; b) The processions or meetings for which prior permission in writing of the District Magistrate concerned has been obtained; c) The customary and ritualistic processions in connection with weddings and funerals. d) Activities conducted by various departments of the Government," it added.

Manipur has been racked by violence since May 3, following the protests by the Kuki and Meitei communities against the High Court's order asking the state government to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). (ANI)