Baghel govt to invoke NSA over bid to disrupt communal harmony

A person can be held under preventive detention for a maximum of 12 months under the NSA, which does not allow the detainee to move a bail application before a criminal court.

Updated on: Jan 12, 2023, 02:56:02 IST

By Ritesh Mishra, Raipur

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Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel-led government has directed district magistrates to invoke the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against those disturbing public order, saying it has received reports about a threat to communal harmony.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. (ANI)

A person can be held under preventive detention for a maximum of 12 months under the NSA, which does not allow the detainee to move a bail application before a criminal court.

“…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…,” the state home department said in an order issued on December 28.

“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.”

Government officials said it was a “routine order”, adding it would help in maintaining law-and-order in the wake of communal tensions in Narayanpur district in the Bastar region.

Nine police personnel, including a superintendent of police, were injured in communal clashes in Narayanpur district after a church was vandalised on January 2. At least 25 people have been arrested so far in connection with the communal clashes.

Chhattisgarh public relations department commissioner Deepanshu Kabra said powers have been granted to collectors to book any person threatening public order or communal harmony under the NSA on the recommendations of district police.

“This order is important amid communal tensions,” Kabra added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More