The Chhattisgarh government has issued an order, saying district magistrates can exercise their powers under the National Security Act (NSA) and slap charges under this stringent law on those disturbing public order, citing reports about a threat to communal harmony.
A person can be held under preventive detention for a maximum of 12 months under the law.
“…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 the 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.”
Officials maintained it is a “routine order” even as it has come against the backdrop of communal tensions in the Bastar region.
{{/usCountry}}Officials maintained it is a “routine order” even as it has come against the backdrop of communal tensions in the Bastar region.
{{/usCountry}}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.
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.
Kabra added that this order is important amid communal tensions.