By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 31: Bowing to pressure, the East Khasi Hills district administration decided to allow the political parties to hold victory processions and rallies after the results of the Lok Sabha polls are declared on June 4.
The decision was taken following a consultative meeting convened by the Deputy Commissioner, SC Sadhu with the political parties, candidates, and representatives of the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri Hynniewtrep held at his chamber on Friday.
Sadhu told reporters after the meeting that the district authority decided to relax point number 5 of the order he had issued about the imposition of Section 144 of the CrPC restricting the holding of processions and rallies across East Khasi Hills.
He added that the order to allow victory processions and rallies will be issued on Monday.
The Deputy Commissioner also said they have asked the political parties to give in writing the route they are planning to take for the rallies and processions.
He also asked the political parties to ensure no untoward incident happens during the processions and rallies. “The political parties assured us that their rallies will be peaceful,” he said.
“At the same time, we would like to appeal to all people of the district, different political parties, and various stakeholders to cooperate with the district administration to maintain the law and order. Any untoward incident which will disrupt the law-and-order situation will be dealt with very strongly,” he said.
Central armed paramilitary forces and the state forces will be deployed in the Polo area where counting will be held to ensure peace prevails, Sadhu said.
VPP ELATED
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) is elated as the East Khasi Hills district administration has agreed to allow victory rallies and processions after the declaration of Lok Sabha election results on June 4.
After a meeting with District Magistrate (DM) SC Sadhu on Friday, VPP legislator Brightstarwell Marbaniang told reporters they are happy with the decision of the administration to impose prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC only in the counting centres.
He said from day one, the VPP had opposed the administration’s move to impose Section 144 of the CrPC, barring victory rallies and processions in the entire district.
“We feel that in a democracy, people should be allowed to celebrate the victory of a candidate and party whom they supported,” Marbaniang said.
He urged people to refrain from doing anything which may disrupt law and order.
National People’s Party leader, Donkupar Dkhar said the party supported the suggestion on the imposition of Section 144 of the CrPC only in the area where the counting of votes will take place.
He said the NPP felt that the imposition of the prohibitory orders throughout the district is not justified.
“We endorsed the demand that the decision arrived at in the earlier meeting should be revoked,” Dkhar said.
Sadhu, who is also the Deputy Commissioner, sought the cooperation of the political parties in the maintenance of law and order.
Dkhar said the winning candidate should be allowed to celebrate. “But we also need to ensure that peace and harmony is not disturbed,” he added.