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Dimapur, Sep. 22 (EMN): The District Magistrate of Wokha, Orenthung Lotha, on Wednesday imposed Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in some areas of Wokha town for maintaining public peace.
The prohibitory order was clamped over ‘the issue between the Wokha Town Baptist Church (WTBC) and three Independent Churches that has created law and order problem in certain areas of Wokha town’.
The district magistrate stated in his order that Section 144 has been imposed in Saron colony, Vungoju colony and NST colony, which fall within 100 mtr, perimeters of the church apartments and residential buildings under the jurisdiction of the three Lotha Baptist churches.
It stated that ‘it has been found expedient to promulgate a probibitory order under Section 144 CrPC to maintain law and order in the said localities’. The order will come into force with immediate effect (September 22) and remain in force for seven days till September 28.
The district magistrate stated that “there is apprehension and reports of intimations and clashes which are likely to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in certain localities and there is every reason to believe and apprehend that grave situation which may endanger human life and property as well as breach of public peace and tranquillity is likely to be created at any moment arising due to issue”.
The order prohibits assembly of five or more persons and “carrying of any dangerous weapons like fire arms, stick, knives, spears, sword, and any other lethal weapons etc.”
“Anyone found contravening this order within the said locations will be arrested and penalised according to the provision of law,” read the order.
However, movement of Magistrates on duty, police, security forces and medical/health services have been exempted.
“In view of the urgency that the situation demands it is not possible to give opportunity to hear those likely to be affected by this order, hence the same is passed ex-parte,” it added.