Imphal: The Manipur government has granted sweeping powers to police personnel under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, authorising a wider pool of officers to carry out arrests, searches and seizures across the state with immediate effect.
A Home Department notification issued on April 22 designates the Administrative Secretary (Home) as the “Designated Authority” under Section 43A of the Act, enabling action in cases related to unlawful and anti-national activities.
In a significant expansion of enforcement, the order empowers all police personnel not below the rank of Head Constable or Havildar, in both civil and armed wings, to exercise these powers on behalf of the Designated Authority.
Officials authorised under the notification may carry out arrests or searches if they have “reason to believe” that an offence under the Act has been committed or is likely to be committed. The powers extend to situations involving suspected possession of evidence or property linked to unlawful activities.
The directive further allows searches of buildings, vehicles and other premises at any time, including during the night, and permits the seizure of documents or assets considered relevant to investigations.
According to officials, the move is aimed at strengthening enforcement of the law and enhancing the operational response of security agencies amid prevailing security concerns. The order will remain in force until further notice.
The notification has been circulated to key administrative and law enforcement authorities, including the Governor’s Secretariat, the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police and district-level officials.
The decision marks a tightening of the state’s enforcement framework under anti-terror provisions.