Section 163 Invoked in Kokrajhar Following Ethnic Clash
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Guwahati
- Jan 20, 2026
- 642
The Kokrajhar district administration on January 20 imposed prohibitory orders throughout the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in response to mounting tensions following an ethnic clash at Karigaon on January 19, 2026.
In an order issued by District Magistrate Pankaj Chakravarty, ACS, the administration noted that simmering tensions among different sections of society, coupled with incidents of violence between two ethnic groups, had created a volatile situation in several vulnerable pockets of the district. The prevailing circumstances, the order stated, posed a grave threat to public order and carried the potential to escalate into wider communal unrest if left unchecked.
The administration further expressed apprehension that miscreants and anti-social elements could exploit the fragile situation to incite violence and organise disruptive activities such as bandhs, dharnas, sit-ins, and blockades of major roads and national highways. Referring to past incidents of law-and-order breakdowns that resulted in loss of lives, the District Magistrate emphasised the urgent need for preventive measures to safeguard public tranquillity, protect government property, and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of public institutions.
Under the prohibitory orders, the assembly of more than four persons has been banned in all public places across Kokrajhar district. The order prohibits all forms of rallies, processions, demonstrations, marches, gheraos, blockades, and sit-ins without prior written permission from the District Magistrate. Picketing, sloganeering, and the use of banners, placards, or loudspeakers in the vicinity of government offices have also been barred.
The directive strictly prohibits the carrying of sticks, lathis, sharp-edged weapons, inflammable or explosive substances, or any object capable of causing injury or damage. It also bans obstruction of government officials in the discharge of their duties, organisation of melas or fairs without permission, pillion riding, use of tinted vehicle glass, outdoor microphones without authorisation, and torchlight (mashaal) processions. Any act of damage, defacement, or vandalism of government property has been declared a punishable offence.
Exemptions have been granted to government officials on duty with valid identification, executive magistrates, personnel of the police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces, and emergency or disaster response services. Senior citizens, women, and children below the age of 12 have also been exempted for routine movement, along with individuals holding specific written permission from the District Magistrate.
The prohibitory order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain operative until further notice. The administration warned that any violation would invite strict penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other applicable laws. Aggrieved persons, the order added, may approach the District Magistrate in writing seeking modification, relaxation, or cancellation of the restrictions.