SHILLONG/ NONGPOH, April 4: The District Magistrate and District Election Officer of East Khasi Hills, SC Sadhu has promulgated an order under Section 144 CrPC, prohibiting any sort of agitational programme in any form, by any individual or organisation in East Khasi Hills District. The order comes into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.
In a notification issued on Thursday, Sadhu said, “Information has been received that agitation programmes like hunger strike, procession, rally, etc. is being organised by some organisation(s) in the district. Such agitation programmes, if held, is likely to create law and order problem, breach of peace and tranquility resulting in loss of life and property, and affecting the smooth conduct of the general elections to the Lok Sabha 2024, if not prohibited immediately.”
Meanwhile, the district magistrate of Ri-Bhoi District also promulgated an under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting assembly of four or more persons in one place at all times within the district and also sale, purchase, transport and possession of loose petrol and diesel.
“This order has been issued in view of several incidents affecting the law and order situation that have occurred in East Khasi Hills District which may affect the adjoining districts like Ri-Bhoi that may cause inconvenience, disruption, obstruction, annoyance to the general public,” the order issued on Thursday said.
“Any violation of the said order will attract penal provisions under Section 188 of the IPC,” the order said, while adding that Section 144 CrPC will not be applicable to religious, political, and official gathering who have obtained permission from the concerned authority.
