Manipur government warns of prosecution over highway blockades, directing police to ensure uninterrupted movement and act against violators
IMPHAL — Manipur government has warned of prosecution without further notice against individuals, organisations and groups involved in unlawful road blockades, highway obstructions and other activities disrupting public movement across the state.
In an order issued last week by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar and made public on September 3, the government directed police and civil authorities to take immediate legal action against those organising, instigating, supporting or participating in such disruptions.
The order comes amid continuing blockades and road obstructions along national highways, which have disrupted the movement of essential commodities and contributed to shortages and price escalation in several parts of the state.
The government said it had received reports and credible inputs about bandhs, blockades and other unlawful activities on national highways and public roads by various organisations, associations, groups and individuals, causing serious hardship to the public and disrupting the movement of essential commodities.
It warned that forcibly restricting movement, damaging public property or engaging in acts likely to trigger a breach of peace would invite action under relevant laws.
The order also referred to Section 8B of the National Highways Act, 1956, which provides for punishment for acts of mischief affecting national highways.
Deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and other law-enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure uninterrupted movement of vehicles on national highways and public roads and initiate prompt action against violators.
The order stated that any person, group, organisation or association found involved in obstructing highways would be liable for prosecution without further notice.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam informed the ongoing Assembly session on Thursday that a notification had also been issued under the National Highways Authority Act, 2002, to initiate necessary action against elements creating obstructions or disturbances on national highways.