Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 18
Apprehending disturbance to law and order, the Wokha district administration promulgated section 144 of the CrPC, on July 18, in Wokha town restricting gathering of people. The order, prohibiting “assembly of five or more persons in whole of Wokha Town,” was issued by the District Magistrate as a preventive measure against the likely occurrence of conflict between rival groups over an ongoing dispute in the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA).
The order noted that the dispute in the LBCA is pending before the court, while, “reports have been received that the rival groups have mobilised and are likely to disturb peace in Wokha Town.” “Therefore urgent preventives measures are required to ensure peace and tranquility in the area,” it said.
Considering the urgency of the situation and the potential risk to public peace and tranquility, it said that the order was passed ex-parte, coming into effect immediately and continuing till July 24. The police, security forces, magistrates on duty, Fire & Emergency Services, health services, educational/financial institutions and government departments are exempt from the restrictions.
