The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has stated that imposition of Section 144 CrPC in the state following violence at a rally, was against Fundamental Rights of the citizens and demanded its withdrawal.
The East Khasi Hills district magistrate has recently issued the order with the aim of preventing any NGO or group from blatantly misusing rallies or processions to indulge in criminal acts thereby disrupting public order, and any other such acts which cause severe inconvenience to the public at large.
HITO leaders today met East Khasi Hills ADM, R. Wahlang with a submission that the prohibitory order be withdrawn so as not to interfere into the democratic rights of innocent citizens, who had to suffer without their fault.
“The order dated 31-10-2022 issued by district administration, is against the citizen’s Fundamental Rights as envisaged in Article 14, 19, 25 of the Constitution of India, and other democratic rights of the citizens of the state, and as observed in various decisions of the Supreme Court of India,” HITO said.
The organisations said that the order has been passed without taking into confidence and/or deliberating the said issue with the concerned stakeholders.
Stating that with the upcoming Assembly elections the order will hamper public meetings, HITO said it is highly prejudicial towards the upcoming elections and the candidates and an infringement upon the unfettered right to religion under the Constitution as well as various civilian groups like the teachers, workers and others who carry out peaceful protest/rallies to air their grievances.
