The Sirmaur district administration in Himachal Pradesh has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, across designated areas of Nahan town. This measure follows a recent clash and stone-pelting incident involving members of the Valmiki and Sikh communities, stemming from apprehensions of renewed tension and potential gatherings of individuals from neighbouring states.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the order was issued by District Magistrate Priyanka Verma late on October 26. The directive acknowledges injuries sustained by police personnel and community members, damage to public and private property, and disruptions to normal movement during the earlier incident.
Despite the local restoration of peace and a welcoming reception for the Valmiki Jayanti procession in the Govindgarh locality on Sunday, the administration has enacted these preventive measures. The decision was influenced by the circulation of videos on social media originating from outside the state and the anticipated gathering of people at Valmiki Chowk on October 27.
According to the issued order, prohibitory restrictions are in effect from October 26 to October 29 within the Nahan police station jurisdiction. The affected zones encompass the stretch from Do Sadka to Delhi Gate, passing through Valmiki Chowk, the road from Valmiki Chowk to the bus stand entrance, and adjacent areas along both sides of these routes.
The imposed restrictions strictly prohibit the assembly of five or more individuals in public spaces without prior authorization from the competent authority. Additionally, carrying weapons or sticks, holding unauthorised rallies or demonstrations, engaging in stone-pelting, and uttering provocative speeches or raising inflammatory slogans are forbidden. Violations of these orders could lead to actions under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Superintendent of Police, Sirmaur, has been tasked with ensuring strict adherence to the prohibitory orders.
A significant concern articulated within the order centres on the potential arrival of individuals, specifically Nihang Sikhs, from Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, as well as other regions of Himachal Pradesh. These individuals are expected to converge at Valmiki Chowk around 10 a.m. on October 27. The administration has expressed fears that this gathering might manifest as a protest against the damage inflicted upon a structure at the chowk, potentially escalating into renewed confrontation, physical altercations, injuries, and further damage to property.
In a related development, the Sikh Nau Jawan Jatha has reportedly conveyed its readiness to undertake the repair of the damaged structure located at Valmiki Chowk. This offer has prompted local discourse regarding the necessity of intervention from individuals outside the state, particularly when the local situation is reported to have returned to normalcy.
The immediate objective for the administration is to effectively prevent any resurgence of conflict while diligently preserving peace and communal harmony within the town. The area surrounding Valmiki Chowk is expected to be under close surveillance as authorities enforce the implemented restrictions and monitor any movements directed towards the locality. The imposition of Section 163 aims to maintain law and order and prevent any further deterioration of the situation.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
