The District Administration of Sribhumi in Assam has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the Patharkandi and Nilambazar police station jurisdictions. The decision came after the Superintendent of Police submitted a detailed report highlighting the risk of unrest in these areas due to growing protests against the Waqf Act.
The administration acted swiftly to prevent any escalation of tension. Officials issued the prohibitory orders to maintain public order and to curb the potential for violence during the ongoing demonstrations. Authorities confirmed that they had assessed the local sentiment and concluded that immediate legal intervention was necessary.
Security personnel have increased their presence in sensitive zones. Police teams began patrolling marketplaces, religious spots, and busy junctions to discourage unlawful gatherings. Senior officers coordinated with local leaders to ensure the community remained calm and law-abiding during the enforcement of the restrictions.
The protests against the Waqf Act have steadily gained traction over the past few weeks in the Barak Valley region. Protesters expressed concern over the provisions in the Act and demanded clarity on land records, Waqf property rights, and administrative oversight. Demonstrators accused the government of bypassing local consultation while making amendments to the legislation.
Tensions rose after opposition parties and community organizations called for mass gatherings in Patharkandi and Nilambazar. The administration responded by banning the assembly of five or more persons, citing public safety as the primary concern. Officials also prohibited the use of loudspeakers and the organization of public meetings without prior approval.
Residents received official notifications on Monday morning. Many shopkeepers in the region opened their establishments under tight security, while schools and colleges continued to operate with caution. Police advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and to cooperate with enforcement personnel.
Local administrative officials clarified that the orders are temporary and intended solely to prevent any disruptions. The District Magistrate assured the public that normalcy would be restored soon, provided peace prevails in the affected areas. Authorities urged political leaders and civil society groups to refrain from inciting unrest through provocative statements or actions.
Political observers noted that the unrest reflects deep-rooted apprehensions in some parts of the state regarding religious land management and governance. The recent amendments to the Waqf Act have sparked debates in several northeastern states. Assam, with its diverse demography, has become a focal point of these discussions.
Local BJP leaders supported the enforcement of prohibitory orders, stating that public peace must take precedence over political agitation. They accused some political parties of spreading misinformation and manipulating religious sentiments for electoral advantage. BJP representatives also reiterated their stance that the Waqf Act reforms aim to increase transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, opposition figures criticized the government’s handling of the situation. They claimed that the prohibitory measures were excessive and could fuel further alienation among minority communities. Some leaders also questioned the timing of the enforcement, suggesting it coincided with planned peaceful protests and community meetings.
Despite the restrictions, a few protestors tried to stage silent demonstrations in smaller groups. Police dispersed these gatherings without resorting to force and detained some participants briefly before releasing them with warnings. Authorities confirmed that no major incidents had occurred by late evening.
As the situation remains tense, district officials continue to monitor developments closely. Meetings between police, local leaders, and civil administration are ongoing to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures and to plan the next steps. The administration has appealed to citizens to use dialogue and lawful means to express grievances.
Officials expect to review the status of the prohibitory orders within the next 48 hours. Until then, security forces will maintain a high alert in the region. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring law and order while respecting democratic rights.
In addition to the deployment of local police, the administration has also requested support from state reserve forces. These reinforcements have started arriving in Patharkandi and Nilambazar to assist with maintaining peace. Mobile surveillance teams have been placed on standby, with drones monitoring crowd activity in key areas to prevent any sudden escalation.
Community leaders from both Hindu and Muslim organizations have begun holding closed-door discussions to de-escalate the situation. They urged their followers to observe restraint and prioritize communal harmony. Clerics from local mosques used Friday prayers to call for peace and discourage participation in unauthorized protests, urging people to follow lawful channels for addressing their concerns.
In a bid to reduce misinformation, the administration has increased monitoring of social media activity. Authorities flagged and removed several posts they deemed provocative or misleading. District officials warned that they would take strict legal action against individuals spreading false narratives or inciting communal tensions through online platforms.
Meanwhile, teachers and civil society volunteers have taken the initiative to organize awareness sessions, particularly in colleges and youth clubs. These discussions aim to educate the public about the actual provisions of the amended Waqf Act and clear misconceptions surrounding land ownership and government control. The response from students and young professionals has been largely positive, according to initial feedback.
The local chamber of commerce also stepped in to express concern about the impact of unrest on daily business. Traders voiced fears that any prolonged disruption could damage the region’s economy, especially as many are still recovering from the financial strains of the pandemic. Representatives from business associations met with district officials to request clear communication about the duration and extent of the restrictions.
Women’s organizations in the region, especially those active in community mediation, have played a quiet but significant role in calming households. Many women leaders visited homes in neighborhoods known for protest activity, counseling families to discourage their members from joining agitations. Their efforts were backed by local health workers and Anganwadi staff, who combined outreach with updates on healthcare services in case of emergencies during the prohibitory period.
State government sources hinted that discussions are underway to send a special delegation to the region, possibly including ministers or senior bureaucrats. The delegation may engage directly with affected communities to gather their views and relay them to policymakers in Dispur. Officials hope that this gesture could help defuse tensions and show a commitment to inclusive governance.
As the enforcement of Section 163 continues, citizens have largely respected the restrictions, though unease persists. People remain indoors after dark, and attendance at places of worship has declined temporarily. Local transport services have adjusted routes to avoid conflict zones, while some private buses have suspended services entirely until the orders are lifted.
The coming days will test the district’s ability to maintain peace while navigating the complex socio-political sensitivities tied to the Waqf Act. With vigilant administration, responsible community engagement, and continuous dialogue, officials remain hopeful that normalcy will soon return to Patharkandi and Nilambazar without further incident.