Prohibitory orders were imposed in Manipur’s Muslim-majority Lilong constituency after a mob set fire to the house of BJP Minority Morcha president Asker Ali over his controversial social media remarks mocking critics of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025.
The inflammatory comments posted by Asker Ali on Facebook, where he wrote: “Those who don’t contribute to the Mohalla, who steal slippers, microphones, and bandanas from the Masjid, and who can’t even speak out against local drug dealers, these Congress stooges and poppy stooges now pretend to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill,” drew heavy backlash from within the community and contributed to the growing unrest.
On Sunday evening, around 6:30 PM, a large group of Pangal mobs marched to Asker Ali’s residence at Sambrumakhongde, demanding a direct conversation with him. As the security forces blocked access, anger among the crowd only grew, and by 9:00 PM, the situation spiraled out of control as parts of the mob allegedly set fire to his house. In response to the backlash, Asker Ali later issued a public apology through a video posted on Facebook.
He clarified that while he had initially supported the Waqf Amendment Bill, he would no longer endorse it. He also called on the central government to repeal the bill and issued an apology to both the Muslim and Pangals communities of Manipur.
According to the prohibitory order issued by District Magistrate A. Subhash Singh,” A mob of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 individuals, reportedly armed with lathis and stones, attacked the house of one Md. Asker Ali of Lilong Sambrukhong Mamei and set it ablaze.”
“The matter is very sensitive in and around Lilong Assembly Constituency and there is likelihood of further disturbance which poses a risk to peace and public tranquility in the Lilong Assembly Constituency and has requested the undersigned to issue prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS, 2023 to the whole area of Lilong Assembly Constituency. Whereas, I have perused the report submitted by the Superintendent of Police, Thoubal, and of the opinion that there is sufficient ground for proceeding under section 163 of BNSS, 2023, to prevent serious breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquility and imminent danger to human life and properties”.
“Effective immediately and until further notice, the following activities are prohibited: Assembling of five or more persons, carrying of firearms, swords, sticks, stones, or any other lethal weapons and objects that could be used offensively,” according to the order.
Strong protests have broken out across Manipur, with the Muslim community, particularly the Pangals (Manipuri Muslims), voicing their deep opposition to the controversial Waqf law. The most prominent demonstration took place along NH 102 in Lilong, Thoubal district, which is the region with the highest Muslim population in the state.
The Manipur government deployed additional forces in all Muslim-dominated areas, including Thoubal, Imphal East, and Kakching, with senior officials closely monitoring the situation.
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