Two church groups in ‘clash’; prohibitory orders on

Shillong, Jan 3: An ongoing dispute between two factions of the Presbyterian Church at Ksehpyndeng under Mawryngkneng police station has forced the East Khasi Hills district administration to impose prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
In the order issued on Friday, East Khasi Hills District Magistrate RM Kurbah said a newly established faction of the church intends to re-baptize the older residents of the locality on Sunday, an action vehemently opposed by the rival faction.
She said that if the baptism ceremony is allowed it may escalate tensions and result in a serious breach of law and order.
“And whereas, I am fully satisfied that prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS is necessary to be passed in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under Section 163 BNSS do hereby prohibit any gathering at the disputed site,” Kurbah said in the order.
The order states that any violation will lead to prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
She further stated that in view of the urgency of the situation, this order has been passed ex parte and it shall come into force with immediate effect and will remain in force till further orders.