By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In pursuance with the Assembly Elections slated for February 23, the East Garo Hills district administration on Saturday issued a notification temporarily suspending all arm licenses issued in the district and no new Arm licenses will be issued till the end of the election.
The district administration has also informed that the use of loudspeakers, whether fitted in the vehicles of any kind or in static position used for public meetings for electioneering purposes, during the entire election period till the ending date of the declaration of results shall be permitted only between 6am and 10pm with the written order of the concerned authority.
East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Vijay K Mantri has prohibited wall writings, pasting of posters, papers or defacement in any form, or erecting and displaying of cut-outs, hoardings, and banners on any public properties or public premises.
“Temporary and easily removable advertisement materials, such as flags and banners may be put up in private premises with the voluntary permission of the occupant and the permission should be an act of free will and not extracted by any pressure or threat”, Mantri said.
He also mentioned that the banner or flag should not create any nuisance to others. “A photo-copy of the voluntary permission in writing obtained in this connection should be submitted to the returning officer within three days of putting up the flag or banner” he added.
Nothing inflammatory or likely to incite disaffection amongst communities shall be permissible in such writings or displays, the EGH DC said adding that if such display of banners or flags aims at soliciting vote for a particular candidate, “The provision of the law (IPC-Section 171H) would be attracted and would have to be followed”.
Relating to private vehicles, subject to the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act and subject to court orders in force, Mantri said if any flags and stickers may be put up on the vehicles by the owner of the vehicle on his own volition, they should be done in such a manner that they do not cause any inconvenience to the other road users.
“However, in commercial vehicles, displays of flags and stickers will not be permitted unless such vehicle is a vehicle validly used for election campaign after obtaining the requisite permit from the district election officer”, Mantri said.
The district administration has also prohibited sale of Liquor U/S 135c of the Representation of People Act 1951 which provides that no spirituous, fermented or intoxicating liquors or other substances of a like nature shall be sold, given or distributed at the hotel, eating house, tavern, shop or any other public place or private, within a polling area within the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll for any election in that polling area.
Dry days shall be declared as and when required. There will be a total ban on transfers and posting of all officers/officials connected with the election. No appointments or promotions shall be made during this period without prior clearance of Commission.
No accommodation will be provided to any Minister of the Central and State Government, MPs or MLAs or political functionaries in any Government Guest House/Rest House/Guest House of any Public Sector undertaking of the State Government.
Relief and rehabilitation measures to the people in areas affected by floods, drought, pestilence, and other natural calamities can commence and continue.
Grant of cash or medical facilities to terminally or critically ill persons can continue with appropriate approvals.
The orders will come into force immediately and remain so until further notice.