Chhattisgarh govt issues order for booking those threatening harmony under NSA

Officials maintained it is a “routine order” even as it has come against the backdrop of communal tensions in the Bastar region

Published on: Jan 11, 2023, 17:01:19 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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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 police officer was injured when a church was vandalised. (HT PHOTO)

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.

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.

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

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