The Crossbill News Desk
A day after a large mob torched the residence of Md Asker Ali, president of the BJP Minority Morcha in Manipur, the Thoubal district administration on Monday (April 7) imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across the Lilong assembly constituency, news agency PTI reported.
The move followed violent protests allegedly triggered by Ali's public support for the recently enacted Waqf Amendment Act, 2025.
The district magistrate’s order bans the gathering of five or more people and prohibits the carrying of weapons, including firearms, swords, sticks, and stones.
According to police reports, a crowd of around 7,000 to 8,000 people armed with lathis and stones attacked and set fire to Ali's house in the Lilong Sambrukhong Mamei area late Sunday night.
Ali had posted his endorsement of the Waqf Amendment Act on social media on Saturday. Following the arson attack, he issued an apology and publicly retracted his support, condemning the legislation.
The district administration cited heightened tensions in the area and warned of potential further disturbances, prompting the imposition of the prohibitory orders to maintain peace and public order.
"It is reported that the matter is very sensitive in and around Lilong assembly constituency and there is a likelihood of further disturbance which poses a risk to peace and public tranquillity in the constituency," the order stated, reported PTI.
Protests erupted across various parts of the Imphal Valley on Sunday, with over 5,000 demonstrators taking to the streets in Lilong, blocking National Highway 102.
Clashes between protesters and security personnel were reported in areas like Irong Chesaba in Thoubal district. Demonstrations also took place in Kshatri Awang Leikai, Kairang Muslim, and Kiyamgei Muslim localities in Imphal East, as well as in Sora, Thoubal.
In response, security measures have been tightened in the Muslim-majority areas of the valley, with additional forces deployed to prevent further unrest.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday and the Rajya Sabha early Friday morning after extensive debates, received presidential assent from Droupadi Murmu on Saturday.
The new Act aims to enhance the governance of Waqf properties, improve transparency, ensure better coordination with local authorities, and protect heritage sites and the rights of stakeholders. However, it has also sparked concern and opposition in parts of Manipur, particularly among sections of the Muslim community.
The move followed violent protests allegedly triggered by Ali's public support for the recently enacted Waqf Amendment Act, 2025.
The district magistrate’s order bans the gathering of five or more people and prohibits the carrying of weapons, including firearms, swords, sticks, and stones.
According to police reports, a crowd of around 7,000 to 8,000 people armed with lathis and stones attacked and set fire to Ali's house in the Lilong Sambrukhong Mamei area late Sunday night.
Ali had posted his endorsement of the Waqf Amendment Act on social media on Saturday. Following the arson attack, he issued an apology and publicly retracted his support, condemning the legislation.
The district administration cited heightened tensions in the area and warned of potential further disturbances, prompting the imposition of the prohibitory orders to maintain peace and public order.
"It is reported that the matter is very sensitive in and around Lilong assembly constituency and there is a likelihood of further disturbance which poses a risk to peace and public tranquillity in the constituency," the order stated, reported PTI.
Protests erupted across various parts of the Imphal Valley on Sunday, with over 5,000 demonstrators taking to the streets in Lilong, blocking National Highway 102.
Clashes between protesters and security personnel were reported in areas like Irong Chesaba in Thoubal district. Demonstrations also took place in Kshatri Awang Leikai, Kairang Muslim, and Kiyamgei Muslim localities in Imphal East, as well as in Sora, Thoubal.
In response, security measures have been tightened in the Muslim-majority areas of the valley, with additional forces deployed to prevent further unrest.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday and the Rajya Sabha early Friday morning after extensive debates, received presidential assent from Droupadi Murmu on Saturday.
The new Act aims to enhance the governance of Waqf properties, improve transparency, ensure better coordination with local authorities, and protect heritage sites and the rights of stakeholders. However, it has also sparked concern and opposition in parts of Manipur, particularly among sections of the Muslim community.
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