Special Cabinet Meeting took stock of situation, announces slew of measures to restore normalcy

Following social unrest and rioting across the country, a Special Cabinet Meeting on October 14 was chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam and took note of a report submitted by the Police Commission on the prevailing situation. Following a Curfew Order issued on October 13 designed to restrain movement in a specific region from 2030 hours until 0600 hours on 14 October 2026, several incidents took place pertaining to looting, possession of explosive substances, breach of the curfew order, rogue and vagabond, arson, and damage to police stations, traffic lights and CCTV.

The following measures were implemented:

• A Curfew Order was issued from 2030 hours from Wednesday, October 14 up to 0500 hours on Thursday, October 15, and from 2030 hours to 0500 hours on Friday, October 16
• Police Force will reinforce deployment of all components of the Force at strategic points, especially in areas where acts of violence have been reported, as well as other parts of the country.
• Police will step up measures and will act firmly, as appropriate, to contain further escalation of violence.
• Police will reinforce roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints will be strengthened.
•  Persons arrested will be charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, where applicable.
• Cybercrime Unit of the Police is conducting constant monitoring of social media platforms and will conduct immediate investigations on authors of posts relating to, inter alia, hate speech and incitement to violence.
•  Following consultations with the Chief Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police, a mechanism has been put in place to fast-track lodging and hearing of cases against perpetrators.
•  Regulations are being promulgated under the Consumer Protection (Price and Supplies Control) Act to prohibit the sale of petrol in retail.
• In view of the number of minors involved in the riots, amendments to the Children’s Act will be considered to bring down the age from 14 years to 12 years for the detention and prosecution of minors.