Tura, Mar 5: The District Magistrate of West Garo Hills, Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, has issued a prohibitory order in view of the 24-hour Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) called by the President of the Garo Students’ Union, Tengsak G. Momin, scheduled to be observed from 5 AM on Mar 6 to 5 AM of Mar 7 within WGH.
The order has been issued as a precautionary measure due to the possibility of obstruction or intimidation affecting the movement of vehicles and disruption of normal public life, which may cause inconvenience to the general public. The administration has also expressed concern that such activities could lead to breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquility, injury, or damage to property.
The order also cited the ruling of the High Court of Meghalaya in Case No. WP(C)/SH/127 of 2015, which stated that bandhs violate the fundamental rights of citizens as guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India. The court had directed both print and electronic media to refrain from publicizing statements related to calls for bandhs, hartals, road blockades or rallies by banned outfits or organizations with unlawful intentions.
In view of the prevailing situation and to prevent any breach of peace or disturbance of public order, the District Magistrate has exercised powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 to impose certain prohibitory measures across the district.
Under the order, the following activities are strictly prohibited – causing obstruction to the movement of vehicles, carrying or concealing weapons such as lathis, sticks, stones, missiles, firearms, or any lethal weapons by any person or group, obstructing the legal operation of shops, establishments, and offices, unlawful assembly of five or more persons aimed at causing such obstructions during the NCM.
The order, however, will not apply to armed forces, paramilitary personnel, and other law enforcement agencies on lawful duty.
As the circumstances are considered emergent in nature, the order has been issued ex-parte and has come into force with immediate effect, covering the entire district. The district administration further appealed to the public to maintain peace and cooperate with the authorities in ensuring normalcy and public safety.
Interestingly a program by the Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma is set to be organized at the PA Sangma stadium tomorrow afternoon, Mar 6.
