Imphal, April 23 -- The Manipur government has granted sweeping powers to police personnel under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, authorising a wider pool of officers to carry out arrests, searches and seizures across the state with immediate effect.

A Home Department notification issued on April 22 designates the Administrative Secretary (Home) as the "Designated Authority" under Section 43A of the Act, enabling action in cases related to unlawful and anti-national activities.

In a significant expansion of enforcement, the order empowers all police personnel not below the rank of Head Constable or Havildar, in both civil and armed wings, to exercise these powers on behalf of the Designated Authority.

Officials au...