Assam: Section 163 invoked in Kokrajhar amid rising tensions over ST status protest

Guwahati: The Kokrajhar district administration has invoked prohibitory measures under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC) across the BTC Secretariat Complex and nearby town areas in Assam.

The move follows acts of vandalism at the BTC Assembly House during a Tribal Students’ protest against the Assam Government of Ministers’ (GoM) recommendation to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in the state.

According to an official order issued by District Magistrate Masanda M. Pertin, on Sunday, officials received reports that a group of students, claiming affiliation with the Tribal Students of BTR, forcibly entered the BTC Secretariat on November 29 without authorization.

The students reportedly vandalized property inside the Secretariat Hall, disrupting government functions and creating fear among officials and visitors.

The order cited the risk of similar unlawful assemblies, protests, processions, or coercive gatherings recurring, noting that such acts could obstruct government operations, threaten public safety, and endanger life and property. It also referenced past breaches of public order in the district, which had previously led to loss of lives.

In response, the District Magistrate imposed immediate prohibitions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Key restrictions include:

• Preventing assembly of more than four people in public spaces within Kokrajhar town and the BTC Secretariat campus.
• Banning unauthorized processions, rallies, demonstrations, sit-ins, picketing, and banner displays.
• Prohibiting carrying of weapons, inflammable items, or explosives.
• Restricting student groups, outdoor use of microphones, torchlight processions, and melas or fairs without prior permission.
• Penalizing any damage to government property under law.

The order allows exemptions for government officials on duty, executive magistrates, police, army, central armed forces, and emergency personnel. Senior citizens, women, and children below 12 years may also move freely, as can individuals holding written permission from the District Magistrate.

The prohibitory measures will remain in effect until further notice. Authorities warned that violating the order will attract punishment under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in addition to other applicable laws for trespass, obstructing public servants, and destruction of public property.

The district administration has instructed all police stations, sub-divisional officers, CRPF and SSB units, and local authorities to enforce the restrictions strictly. The District Information & Public Relations Office has been tasked with widely disseminating the order through print, electronic media, and public announcements to ensure compliance.

Officials stressed that these measures are preventive, aimed at maintaining peace, protecting citizens, and allowing government offices in Kokrajhar to function without disruption. Citizens or organizations affected by the order may submit written objections to the District Magistrate seeking modifications or relaxation of the restrictions.