Imphal, June 14: Expressing grave concern over the developments during the last few days with the both the United Naga Council and United Committee Manipur gearing up to organise rallies on June 16 and June 18 respectively, the State Government has today decided to ban both the rallies.

Speaking to the media today, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that only offering to floral tributes will be allowed on June 18 and asserted that no rally will be allowed to be staged on the said day.

The decision to ban both the rallies on June 16 and June 18 was taken during a Cabinet meeting held this morning.

The Chief Minister said that the Government has received inputs that the UNC has started mobilising the people to take out the Naga Unity and Peace Solidarity rally on June 16 in four district headquarters in the hills while the UCM is also planning to hold a rally on June 18 after the floral tributes are paid at Kekrupat.

As the new developments may pose serious threats to law and order in the State, a special Cabinet meeting was convened today, said the Chief Minister and added that after minutely discussing the inputs received by the Govt the decision to ban both the rallies was taken.

The Govt will not allow the UCM to stage a public rally on June 18, asserted the Chief Minister and added that mobilisation drive for the proposed rally has been put into motion.

The UCM had started contacting vehicles to ferry people to participate in the rally, he added.

A ban will also be imposed on the use of loudspeakers and organising public meetings on June 18, he added.

To pre-empt any further trouble, prohibitory orders under CrPC 144 will be enforced in the entire State from tomorrow, informed Ibobi.

Respective district administrations and the police have been instructed to take up all the required measures to effectively implement the restrictions, said the Chief Minister.

Appealing to the people to maintain public peace, the Chief Minister urged all not to take part in any activities that could have an adverse effect on the law and order situation.