Prohibitory orders in Manipur’s Thoubal district

Officials say district had been reduced to a battleground of likely candidates of some major political parties

The Thoubal district administration in Manipur has clamped Section 144 CrPC in the trouble-torn Heirok constituency. The order, issued by the Thoubal district magistrate, says it will be in force till further orders.

Officials said the district had been reduced to a battleground of the likely candidates of some major political parties. Possible BJP candidate T. Radheshyam, a former Minister and BJP MLA now, said, “ There have been clashes among some workers. Persons with hooded heads assaulted BJP workers”. Mr. Radheshyam, a former police officer, added, “Even AK-47s were used in firing on BJP workers. These guns were issued to the guards of some elected members. A stage may soon come when irate villagers can no longer be restrained”.

The government has not issued any order asking the licenced gun-holders to deposit the same to police stations despite an announcement of Chief Minister N. Biren, who also holds Home.