The Jorhat District Administration has implemented a night curfew within a five-kilometer radius along the Assam side of the Assam-Nagaland border. The decision comes in response to concerns raised by the district administration regarding the infiltration of ‘extremist organizations from the Nagaland border’ potentially causing disturbances in Jorhat District.
Jorhat District Magistrate (DM), Pulak Mahanta, stated in an official order dated 6 June 2023, “It has come to my attention that the movement of the public in Assam-Nagaland border areas, particularly during the period from dusk to dawn, has the potential to disrupt public peace and tranquility. Consequently, there is a risk of a law and order problem in the district.”
Referring to a report from a reliable source, the DM mentioned that it has been discovered that ULFA(I) recently recruited new volunteers, and there are indications that they might exploit the Assam-Nagaland border areas for the transportation of these new recruits and other purposes.
“The imposition of a prohibition order under section 144 Cr.P.C. along with a night curfew in the Assam-Nagaland bordering area has been a longstanding practice that has played a crucial role in preventing interstate crimes and anti-national activities. It has also served as an effective deterrent against extremist activities. Criminals who infiltrate and exit Jorhat district through the adjoining districts often use the Assam-Nagaland border as a transit route. They consistently attempt disruptive and criminal activities not only in Jorhat but also in other districts of Assam via this route,” the order further explained.
”Therefore, I, Sri Pulak Mahanta, ACS, District Magistrate, Jorhat in exercise of powers conferred upon me under 144 Cr.P.C. and having been convinced, do hereby prohibit movement of all kinds of vehicles/persons, etc. within 5KM belt on the Assam side of Assam-Nagaland border from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am and thereby impose NIGHT CURFEW from DUSK TO DAWN in the aforesaid area,” the order read.
This order comes into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders. Any person aggrieved by the order can approach the undersigned with specific grounds for modification/to rescind or alter/exempt this order, it said.