The East Khasi Hills administration has decided to withdraw restriction imposed on holding of victory procession by the winning candidate and supporters on June 4, the day when the poll results are announced.
The decision was taken after a consultation meeting held between District Magistrate SC Sadhu along with all political parties, independent candidates and traditional heads today.
The order imposed under Section 144 CrPC that laid out several restrictions within the area in and around the counting centres “in order to maintain peace, order and tranquility on the day of counting” was vehemently opposed by the Voice of the People Party (VPP) who felt that the order was undemocratic and against the spirit of participation in the electoral process of the country.
District Magistrate, SC Sadhu said, “We have taken note of the concerns and therefore, we have taken a decision that point five of the 144 CrPC order which applied to the entire East Khasi Hills will be revoked and all other points in the order will remain the same,” Sadhu said.
Point five of the order had said, “No victory procession/rallies by any candidate/political parties after the declaration of result shall be permissible within East Khasi Hills District”.
Sadhu said that section 144 CrPC will be applicable only in the counting area in Polo and not the entire East Khasi Hills District.
The withdrawal also comes with a rider that political parties should cooperate with the district administration by detailing the victory routes in writing and to take precautionary measures to avoid any breakdown of law and order.
Sadhu also made an appeal to the public, political parties and all stakeholders to support the district administration to ensure a peaceful counting day.
