Cachar District Administration issues prohibitory order to curb illegal movement

way2barak, Dec 16: Acting decisively to ensure public safety and maintain law and order, the District Administration Cachar has imposed a series of preventive restrictions along sensitive border areas in view of apprehensions over the possible movement of extremist elements and unauthorised cross-border activities. The proactive measures underscore the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the district from threats that could disturb peace and stability.

District Magistrate Mridul Yadav exercising powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), has issued an ex parte order aimed at preventing illegal movement of people, goods and activities during vulnerable hours. The administration noted that unchecked movement, particularly during night hours, could facilitate unlawful activities, including unauthorised transportation of essential commodities and cattle, thereby posing serious challenges to law and order.

As part of the preventive framework, movement of individuals has been restricted from sunset to sunrise within a one-kilometre belt along the Indo-Bangladesh border of Cachar district. In addition, movement on the river Surma and along its high banks within Indian territory during night hours has been prohibited, reflecting heightened vigilance over riverine routes often exploited for illegal activities.

The order also places strict controls on boating and fishing activities on the river Surma. Fishing will be permitted only to local residents for personal consumption, subject to prior authorisation by the Circle Officer, Katigorah, and compliance with lease conditions. Such permissions will be closely monitored, with copies endorsed to the District Magistrate and the Commandant of the 170th Battalion of the Border Security Force at Dholcherra, ensuring coordination between civil and security agencies.

In a further move to curb illegal trade, transportation of essential commodities such as sugar, rice, wheat, edible oil, SK oil and salt has been restricted during night hours within a five-kilometre belt inside the district boundary along the Bangladesh border. Any relaxation, the administration clarified, will be granted only after due verification by supply officials and for specific purposes, time and location, reinforcing transparency and accountability.

The order, however, exempts State and Central Government employees who are on official duty in the border areas, ensuring that essential administrative and security functions remain uninterrupted.

Issued in the interest of public order, the directive has come into force with immediate effect and will remain valid for two months unless withdrawn or modified earlier.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.