Illegal Friday holiday, Police files FIR against joint student body

Imphal: The recent announcement by the Joint Students’ Body in Manipur, demanding that every Friday be observed as a weekly holiday for government offices and educational institutions, has drawn a strong response from the state authorities.
In response to the unauthorized announcement, the Churachandpur police station on October 29 registered a First Information Report (FIR) under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Meanwhile, the Manipur government has termed the notice as “totally illegal” and warned against actions that could jeopardize communal harmony and national security.
The Joint Students’ Body, reportedly located in District Churachandpur, issued a public reminder notice on 26 October 2023 through various media platforms including social media and WhatsApp groups.
The notice deliberately sought to change the names of institutions and places, along with a public declaration of Friday as a holiday for all government institutions, including District Collectors (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), offices of Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs) and Government Schools and Colleges in Churachandpur.
In light of these developments, the Manipur State Government has taken a strong stand against such actions that threaten communal harmony, peaceful coexistence and national security.
The government said that any unauthorized dissemination of messages, materials, press releases or public notices disturbing law and order will be treated with utmost sensitivity.
In response to the recent developments, state authorities have issued a public advisory, urging the general public and public workers not to rely on illegal posts, content, press releases or public notices.
He has also requested the public not to indulge in any kind of untoward acts or violence.
Earlier on October 28, the Manipur government through Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi condemned the notice as “completely illegal” and expressed concern over possible disruption of normal functioning of government institutions and communal harmony.