In a sweeping enforcement move, the Government of Manipur on Tuesday invoked stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, empowering a broad section of police personnel to carry out arrests and searches across the state with immediate effect.
According to a Home Department notification issued from the Secretariat, the Administrative Secretary (Home) has been designated as the “Designated Authority” under Section 43A of the Act, which grants powers to arrest, search and seize in connection with offences under the law.
In a significant expansion of enforcement authority, the state government has authorised all officers not below the rank of Head Constable/Havildar in both civil and armed police to act as officers of the Designated Authority for the purposes of Section 43A.
The notification underscores that such officers can proceed with arrests or searches if they have “reason to believe” that an offence under the Act has been committed or is likely to be committed, including cases involving possession of material evidence or illegally acquired property linked to unlawful activities.
The order allows searches of buildings, vehicles and premises at any time, including day or night, and permits seizure of documents or assets deemed relevant to offences under the Act.
Officials said the move has been taken to ensure effective implementation of the law, as provided under the relevant provisions, and will remain in force until further orders.
The directive, issued under official gazette notification procedures, has been circulated to top administrative and police authorities, including the Governor’s Secretariat, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and all district magistrates and superintendents of police.
The development marks a major escalation in the state’s legal and operational framework, enabling wider on-ground enforcement under anti-terror provisions amid prevailing security concerns.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
