In Indore, prohibitory orders have been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to maintain law and order in the city until July 4, 2025. These orders, issued by Indore Police Commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh, aim to regulate public gatherings and maintain peace amidst ongoing unrest.
Under the imposed restrictions, any rally, procession, protest, or public gathering requires prior permission from the competent authority. This includes religious, political, and social events. The possession of arms, ammunition, or explosive materials is strictly prohibited in both public and private spaces, encompassing processions, protests, religious functions, and weddings. The order also forbids any item that may pose a threat to public safety. Violators will face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additional DCP crime branch, Rajesh Dandotiya, stated that the orders were enforced with immediate effect. Several public events in the city, including a concert, have already been cancelled as a result of these measures.
The implementation of these prohibitory orders coincides with heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. In response to these tensions, the Madhya Pradesh government has cancelled all police leaves across the state. The Madhya Pradesh Police Headquarters (PHQ) has issued a notification and alerted all district Superintendents of Police (SPs), instructing them to remain on high alert and prepared for any emergency.
Director General of Police Kailash Makwana is scheduled to hold a video conference with all SPs to review internal security and issue specific operational guidelines. District-level patrolling has been intensified, and police personnel have been directed to carry out awareness campaigns in rural areas. The cyber cell is also actively monitoring online platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation and false narratives.
Following a mock drill conducted on Wednesday, police forces in Madhya Pradesh are reportedly well-prepared to handle any eventuality. Leaves of police personnel have also been cancelled in other states, including Punjab and Haryana, with border states specifically instructed to remain on heightened alert amid rising tensions with Pakistan.
