Deputy Commissioners of the various districts of Meghalaya have imposed restrictions on different activities ahead of the upcoming state election, which will be held on February 27.
The DCs of Ri-Bhoi, West Khasi Hills and West Jaiñtia Hills have prohibited wall writing, pasting of posters/papers or defacement in any form or erecting/displaying cut-outs, hoardings, banners, flags, etc on government premises.
Displaying of flags and banners on private premises without the voluntary written permission of the occupant/owner is also banned and displaying of flags and stickers on private vehicles should not cause any inconvenience or distraction to other road users.
Displaying of flag, stickers, etc on commercial vehicles are allowed only for election campaigning after permission has been obtained from the District Election Officer/Returning Officer and this permission has to be displayed on the windshield of the vehicle.
It is prohibited for anyone to carry any type of arms and explosives until the election process is over. However, this order will not apply to police personnel, home guards, forest personnel, BSF and CRPF personnel.
Moreover, all licensed weapon holders are directed to surrender their weapons at their nearest police stations within 14 days of this order.
No election meeting will be allowed without taking permission from the office of the District Election Officer and subsequently from the local headman regarding the venue of the meeting.
Public address systems and loudspeakers are allowed only with permission up to 10pm and banned between 10pm and 6am. Anyone found violating will be charged by local authorities. Lastly, no rallies or processions will be allowed without taking permission from the office of the District Election Officer.
