The Manipur government has warned of strict legal action against individuals and organisations involved in unlawful road blockades, highway obstructions and other activities disrupting public movement in the state.
In an order issued on August 28 by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar and made public on Thursday, the government said those organising, instigating, supporting or participating in unlawful blockades would face prosecution under relevant laws without further notice.
The order also covered damage to public property, forcible restriction of movement and other activities that could lead to a breach of peace.
The warning came amid a series of blockades along national highways in Manipur that disrupted the movement of essential goods and contributed to rising commodity prices.
The government said it had received reports and credible inputs about bandhs, blockades, road obstructions and other unlawful activities on national highways and public roads by various organisations, associations, groups and individuals.
According to the order, such disruptions affected public order and citizen safety, hampered the supply of essential commodities and economic activity, and violated the constitutional right to freedom of movement across India.
Deputy commissioners, police authorities and other law enforcement agencies were directed to take immediate steps to ensure uninterrupted movement of vehicles on national highways and other public roads and initiate prompt legal action against violators.
