The East Jaiñtia Hills district magistrate has imposed section 144 CrPC to prevent any untoward incidents that may arise after reopening of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) toll plaza at Lumshnong.
The toll plaza was put under lock and key by members of the Khasi Students Union (KSU), East Jaiñtia Hills district unit, since July 28 against the failure of NHAI to maintain the NH 6.
In an order passed today, the district administration said that the NHAI Project Director has submitted an assurance with a timeline for the rehabilitation and restoration of the highway 6 at the earliest.
The order is necessitated “In anticipation of further protest and agitation against the resumption of the operation of the toll plaza with immediate effect, therefore to take such other steps as may be required or warranted in such a situation to prevent any untoward incidents that may arise due to the opening of the toll plaza.”
According to the order, assembly of more than five persons in and around the toll plaza and its vicinity, attempts to cause any sort of undesirable situation by any person (s) or any group(s), carrying or brandishing any instruments that may be used as weapon are prohibited.
Meanwhile, the pressure group met additional deputy commissioner Jonathan Shylla today and did not agree to unlock the toll plaza until the NHAI immediately start its work on the highway.
KSU unit president, Streamly.S.Suchen said, “If the office of the Deputy Commissioner East Jaiñtia Hills district reopens the toll plaza it should also shoulder the responsibility.”
