Imphal: In response to the arson attack on the house of Md Asker Ali, BJP Minority Morcha’s Manipur president, reportedly for supporting the Waqf Amendment Act, the Thoubal district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS across the Lilong assembly constituency on Monday.
The order, promulgated by the district magistrate, prohibited the assembly of five or more people and the carrying of firearms, swords, sticks, stones, or other lethal weapons by the public.
It stated that the superintendent of police reported on Sunday night that nearly a 7,000- 8,000-strong mob, armed with lathis and stones, stormed the residence of Md Asker Ali in Lilong Sambrukhong Mamei area and set it ablaze.
On Saturday, Ali expressed support on social media platforms for the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025.
After the Sunday night incident, he issued an apology for his previous statement and condemned the Act.
“It is reported that the matter is very sensitive in and around Lilong assembly constituency and there is a likelihood of further disturbance which poses a risk to peace and public tranquillity in the constituency,” the order stated.
Notably, protests broke out across several parts of Manipur’s Imphal Valley on Sunday in opposition to the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The demonstrations were also held in Kshatri Awang Leikai, Kairang Muslim and Kiyamgei Muslim areas in Imphal East, and Sora in Thoubal district, among other places.
The largest rally took place along National Highway 102 at Lilong in Thoubal district, where over 5,000 people gathered, bringing traffic to a halt for several hours.
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Security has been strengthened in Muslim-dominated areas of the valley, with additional forces deployed, officials said.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, and by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday after marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament.
