Imphal: The Manipur government has banned the use of air guns in Churachandpur district in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit on September 13, according to an official order. J
District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S issued the directive under Section 163 of the BNSS, prohibiting the “use, carrying and brandishing” of air guns with immediate effect and until further notice.
The order said that elaborate security measures were being put in place for the VVIP movement. “It has been observed that the carrying, use or brandishing of air guns may cause alarm, confusion or pose a potential security threat during the VVIP movement,” it stated.
The administration warned that violators would face legal action, while the Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur, has been tasked with ensuring strict enforcement.
Though Modi is expected to arrive in Manipur from Mizoram, there has been no official confirmation from either New Delhi or Imphal. However, a series of preparatory meetings have been held in anticipation of his visit.
If confirmed, this would be Modi’s first visit to Manipur since ethnic clashes erupted between Kukis and Meiteis in May 2023, which left over 250 people dead and thousands displaced.
Churachandpur remains a stronghold of the Kuki tribal community, one of the groups deeply affected by the violence.