Assam鈥檚 Cachar district authorities on Tuesday ordered a nighttime curfew and imposed additional restrictions on movement of people near the Indo-Bangla border in the district, according to a Hindustan Times report.
鈥楾his order aims to prevent potential law and order disturbances arising from the movement of extremist elements and unauthorised transportation of commodities and cattle across the border,鈥� said the report quoting district commissioner Mridul Yadav as saying in his order.
Yadav issued the order invoking the administration鈥檚 powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita that authorises a magistrate to take preventive steps, it mentioned.
Citing 鈥榰rgent need鈥� for preventive measures to tackle threats, Yadav said, 鈥楢 swift action is crucial to prevent unlawful activities, which could disrupt peace and security in the region.鈥�
The restrictions will remain in force for two months, said the report available online.
District officials, however, did not comment on why the fresh restrictions were required, it mentioned.
The fresh order prohibits any movement within a one-kilometre belt along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Cachar district between sunset and sunrise.
This step aims to curtail illegal cross-border activities and ensure heightened security during vulnerable hours, according to the report of the Indian daily.
In addition, a strict ban has been imposed on any movement on the river Surma and its high banks within Cachar district during the night hours.
The order also restricts fishing activities on the River Surma with exceptions only for local residents who obtain prior permission from the Circle Officer of Katigora, along with authorisation from the lessee.
For this, a copy of such permission must be submitted to the district magistrate and the commandant of the 170th Battalion Border Security Force, Dholcherra, said the newspaper report.
The district administration also imposed restrictions on carrying items, such as sugar, rice, wheat, edible oil, and salt by any means, including vehicles, carts or rickshaws, between sunset and sunrise within a five-kilometre belt inside the Cachar district boundary along the Bangladesh border.
It also said that the circle officer of Katigorah circle was empowered to grant special permits for transportation after verifying the purpose and obtaining clearance from local supply officials.
Copies of these permits must be forwarded to the district magistrate and the commandant of the 170th Battalion of the Border Security Force, the report mentioned quoting officials as saying.
Cachar superintendent of police Numal Mahatta said that night patrols was intensified along the border.
鈥楥achar police in collaboration with the Border Security Force personnel conducted meticulous night patrols along the Indo-Bangla border, fortifying security measures and instilling enduring peace and stability,鈥� the police super was quoted to have told the media.