RAIPUR: Citing the recent communal unrest, the state govt has issued an order authorizing district magistRrtes exercise their powers under the National Security Act (NSA) and slap charges under this stringent law on those disturbing public order
The order dated Decembee 28th read- “…There are reports with the state government that certain elements are active or are likely to be active to threaten the communal harmony and to commit any act prejudicial to the maintenance of public order, and to commit acts prejudicial to the security of State…”
“Having regard to the circumstances prevailing in the areas within the local limits of [the] jurisdiction of…district magistrates can now exercise of the powers conferred by the provision to sub-section (3) of Section 3 of the National Security Act, 1980 (No.65 of 1980) and use NSA against people who are found guilty of disturbing public order– the state home department order further read.
The officials have claimed to have mainatain its ‘routine’ in the case of protests that erupted in Naraynpur on January 2nd.
Nine policemen, including a superintendent, were injured on January 2 when a church was vandalized. At least 25 people have been arrested for communal clashes in the region’s Narayanpur.