Poll prohibitions come into force in state

SHILLONG: The magistrates and the district election officers in East Khasi and East Jaintia Hills have promulgated Section 144 prohibiting political parties from wall writing, pasting posters, displaying cutouts, hoardings or banners in public places.
This comes a day after the Election Commission of India announced the dates of elections in Meghalaya and two other northeastern states.
Candidates are also prohibited from putting up banners along roads and at thoroughfares. Any kind of campaign materials should not be allowed on private property without permission from the house-owners and final approval from the office of the district magistrates concerned. No agitation will be allowed.
The prohibition also extends to carrying money above Rs 50,000. This order is necessitated following the information that some people are likely to carry large amount of cash to bribe voters.
Election meetings would not be allowed without taking permission from district magistrates and subsequently local headmen regarding the venue of the meeting. Public address system or loud speakers will be allowed between 6 am and 10 pm with permission from district magistrates. For rallies and procession too, similar permission is required.
Firearms
The election officers and magistrates of East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and West Garo Hills have directed arms licence holders to deposit their weapons at the nearest police stations, outposts and beat houses to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of polls.
The carrying of licensed arms has also been prohibited and anyone desiring to appeal against the order has been asked to submit their written justification to the deputy commissioner’s office.
The East Khasi Hills election officer has said the toll-free number of the complaint monitoring cell for the Assembly elections for the district is 1800-345-6850. The number will be active 24×7 for any complaints/grievances.