UKHRUL: The Manipur government has invoked Section 43A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, granting sweeping powers to police personnel with enhanced powers to carry out arrests, searches and seizures across the state with immediate effect.
According to a notification issued by the Home Department on April 22, the Administrative Secretary (Home) has been designated as the “Designated Authority” under Section 43A of the Act, granting authorised officials to arrest, search and seize in cases related to unlawful and anti-national activities.
The order empowers all officers not below the rank of Head Constable or Havildar, in both civil and armed police, to exercise powers on behalf of the Designated Authority.
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Under the Section, designated authority officers can arrest individuals or search premises if they have “reason to believe” that an offence has been committed or likely to be committed under the Act, including cases involving suspected possession of evidence or illegally acquired property linked to unlawful activities.
The directive also allows searches of buildings, conveyance and other premises at any time- day or night, and authorises seizure of documents, articles or any other things considered relevant to offences under the Act.
The order will remain in effect until further notice.
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