Prohibitory orders were imposed in Assam`s Dhubri town on Monday following communal tensions, officials said. Demonstrations were held in the town during the day to protest the alleged throwing of meat near a temple. Police had to use tear gas shells to bring the situation under control, they said. Issuing an order under section 163 of BNSS, District Magistrate Dibakar Nath said the restrictions shall come into force with immediate effect and remain in force until further order.

"It has been brought to my notice that there is a likelihood of breach of peace and public tranquillity in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of Dhubri Police Station due to communal tension, riot risk, violent protests, etc," he said. Accordingly, he ordered all shops and markets in the Dhubri town area to remain closed and prohibited the assembly of five or more people in any public places.

Organising any rally, procession, meeting, or demonstration has also been strictly prohibited, the order mentioned. It exempted the movements of emergency services from the purview of the restrictions, it said. "As the circumstances of the situation do not admit service of notice in due time, this order is passed ex-parte," it added.