TURA: West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh, has on Thursday issued an order stating that the Model Code of Conduct will come into immediate effect following the announcement for the holding of the general election to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. The Election Commission of India has fixed February 27th as the date for polling in the state.
The order by the District Magistrate of West Garo Hills prohibits wall writings, posters or defacement in any form on government premises and parties and candidates would require permission from private owners for display of temporary advertisement materials.
It has also prohibited inflammatory writings, displays and attempts at soliciting votes for any particular candidate.
Display of any flag, sticker on commercial vehicles is also prohibited unless the vehicle is validly used for election campaign after obtaining the requisite permit from the District Election Officer which is mandatory to be displayed thereof in original on the wind screen of the vehicle.
Carrying of any type of arms and explosives in the entire district has been prohibited until the election process is over, although the order would not apply to law enforcing authorities such as police personnel, home guards, forest personnel, BSF and Central Paramilitary Force (CPMF) personnel.