Imphal: The Manipur government and the Naga People’s Organisation have banned the sale and bursting of firecrackers across multiple districts with immediate effect, citing the state’s volatile law and order situation ahead of the Diwali festival.
District Magistrates enforced the state government’s prohibition under Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, covering three specific districts. Concurrently, the apex Naga traditional civil body imposed a parallel restriction across the entire Senapati district.
Law enforcement authorities confirmed that no temporary licences for the possession or sale of fireworks had been issued for the upcoming festival.
Officials stated that any unauthorised possession or sale of these items would directly violate the Explosives Act, 1884, and warned that violators would face legal action.
Traditional leaders said anyone violating the community-level ban within their jurisdiction would be held accountable under customary law.
The civil body appealed to all residents, shopkeepers and local business establishments to extend full cooperation to maintain public peace and community welfare.
Security analysts said the dual directives aimed to prevent public panic in conflict-affected hill districts, where the sound of firecrackers could easily be mistaken for gunshots or explosive devices.