Lilong, April 7, 2025 – Authorities in Manipur’s Thoubal district have imposed restrictions on gatherings and the carrying of weapons in Lilong following an arson attack on the residence of BJP Minority Morcha state president Md Asker Ali. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, when a mob of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 people vandalized and set fire to Ali’s house, reportedly over his support for the Waqf Amendment Act.
The district magistrate, A Subhash Singh, cited the sensitivity of the situation and the likelihood of further disturbances as reasons for the prohibitory orders. The restrictions, enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, aim to maintain peace and public tranquility in the area.
Protests against the Waqf Amendment Act have intensified across Muslim-majority areas in Manipur, including Lilong, Sora, and parts of Imphal East. Demonstrators have clashed with security forces, leading to heightened tensions and the deployment of additional personnel in affected regions.
Md Asker Ali has since apologized for his social media posts supporting the legislation and urged the Union government to reconsider the Act. The situation remains volatile, with authorities closely monitoring developments to prevent further unrest.
