Sec.144 imposed during session

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, JUNE 9: The district administration of East Khasi Hills has issued prohibitory order disallowing assembly of five or more persons within a radius of 500 meters of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on June 12.

The order under Section 144 CrPC also prohibits assembly of five or more persons within a radius of 100 meters of the Meghalaya Secretariat (both Main and Additional Building).

East Khasi Hills District deputy commissioner PS Dkhar said the order has been issued due to the special session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on June 12, in view of the prevailing law and order situation in the district.

The special session was summoned for discussion and consideration of the Draft Meghalaya Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, which was recently approved by the state Cabinet.

He said there is possibility that some NGOs may protest in front of the temporary Assembly Chamber, Rilbong, Shillong and State Secretariat building during the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Session.

“The order is necessitated to ensure peace and tranquility and smooth conduct of the Special Session of the House,” he said while informing that the order will come into force from 8 am till the conclusion of the special session.

It may be mentioned, the state capital and other places have witnessed series of arson cases and petrol bomb attacks following the protest against the ongoing construction of a railway line in Ronghona under Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi District.

Meanwhile, the order also prohibited any person or group of persons from obstructing any vehicular movement in the area around Meghalaya Legislative Assembly premises and carrying of arms and any other lethal weapons or any other item/material having the potential to be used as a weapon which can likely cause grievous injury or harm to any person or persons in and around Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

The order however will not be applicable to the Security Forces on duty.