Imphal (Manipur) [India], June 11 (HBTV): District administrations in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur have relaxed prohibitory orders as the situation in Manipur shows signs of improvement.

Invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), authorities have restricted movement from 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM to prevent any breach of public tranquillity. Movement of persons is permitted from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM, provided no activities disturb law and order.

According to the order issued by the District Magistrate of Imphal West: ‘Movement of any person outside their respective residence is permitted from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM, provided no act or activity is carried out that could disturb the prevailing law and order in the scheduled area.’

It further added: ‘Movement of any person outside their respective residence is prohibited from 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM.’

The relaxations are subject to certain conditions, including the continued prohibition on assembling five or more persons in public spaces. The carrying of sticks, stones, firearms, sharp weapons, or explosive materials remains strictly banned in the scheduled areas.

‘There shall be no prohibitions with respect to government agencies engaged in law enforcement, emergency services, banking and financial institutions or other essential duties,’ the order stated.

On Sunday, the district magistrates of the five districts had issued initial prohibitory orders in light of the prevailing law and order situation. These restrictions followed protests in Imphal on Sunday night, where locals demanded the release of Arambai Tenggol member Kanan Singh and four others arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

According to the CBI, Kanan Singh was arrested for his alleged involvement in criminal activities linked to the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur, which triggered widespread unrest, especially in the five affected districts.

Security forces used tear gas shells to disperse the crowds. Visuals from the protests showed burning tyres, road blockades, and heavy deployment of security personnel on the streets.(ANI)