Wokha DC imposes restrictions near Lotha Baptist Churches Association compound amid ongoing tensions

DIMAPUR — The District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, Vineet Kumar, has issued an order prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons within Vankhosung Mission Centre compound and a 200-metre radius surrounding it, citing the unresolved situation concerning the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA).

The restriction, enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, has been put in place as an urgent preventive measure to maintain public peace and order.

In the official order issued on Saturday, the DC stated that the prevailing situation required immediate intervention, and therefore, the order was passed ex parte—meaning without hearing from the parties concerned due to the urgency of the matter.

Exemptions to the restriction include police personnel, security forces, magistrates on duty, fire and emergency services, health services, educational and financial institutions, and other government departments.

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The prohibitory order comes into immediate effect and will remain in force until September 18, 2025.

The Wokha district administration has appealed to the public to cooperate in maintaining peace and avoid any gatherings in the restricted zone during the period of enforcement.