Shillong, Mar 8: The West Garo Hills district administration has imposed prohibitory measures under Section 163 of the BNSS in Tura to ensure the peaceful filing of nomination papers for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
The order, issued by District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal today, will come into force from 5am on March 9 and remain in effect until the nomination process is completed.
According to the order, the restrictions have been imposed to prevent any obstruction, intimidation, or disturbance that could disrupt the nomination process being conducted at the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tura, where Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers will receive and scrutinise nomination papers.
The administration noted that there is a possibility of attempts to obstruct the movement of vehicles and disrupt normal public life during the nomination period, which could lead to a breach of peace, public disorder, or damage to property.
Under the order, the following activities have been prohibited during the enforcement period: obstructing the movement of vehicles or people; carrying or concealing weapons such as lathis, sticks, stones, missiles, firearms, or any lethal weapons by individuals or groups; and interfering with the lawful functioning of shops, establishments, or offices.
The district administration stated that the measures are necessary to maintain public tranquillity and ensure a smooth and peaceful election process in the district.
Filing of nomination papers will commence on Monday and continue until March 16. The election to the GHADC will be held on April 10, with vote counting scheduled for April 14.
To ensure a smooth nomination process, the district administration has imposed restrictions within the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex. Only one vehicle per candidate will be allowed within a 100m radius of the complex during the nomination period.
Additionally, only four persons – the candidate, one proposer, one seconder, and a legal counsel – will be permitted inside the Returning Officer’s room at the time of filing nominations.
Gathering of five or more persons within the 100-metre periphery of the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex will be treated as an unlawful assembly under the BNS. Authorities, including Executive Magistrates and police officers not below the rank of Sub-Inspector, have been empowered to disperse any such gatherings.
