The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has written a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills expressing concern over a Section 144 order issued in light of the counting of votes in the general election.
The order was issued on May 23, imposing Section 144 of the CrPC in the entire district of East Khasi Hills until June 6 due to the counting of votes for the general election to the Lok Sabha, banning, among other things, rallies and marches.
The Voice of the People Party had also earlier criticised the imposition.
HITO argued that the order violates citizens’ fundamental rights, was passed without consulting the concerned stakeholders and is depriving the citizens of their rights without sufficient reason. The pressure group also pointed out that Section 144 should not be used to prevent legitimate expressions of opinion, grievance, or exercise of democratic rights and that it cannot be exercised indefinitely without assessing the gravity of the prevailing circumstances.
However, the DC defended the order, citing concerns that celebratory rallies will disrupt traffic, especially as June 4, the day of counting of votes and declaration of results, is a working day.
