Shillong, March 8 The district administration in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in preparation for the filing of nomination papers for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, officials said on Sunday.
Elections for the 29 seats of the GHADC will be held on April 10. The prohibitory orders, issued by District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal, will remain in effect from 5 am on March 9 until the completion of the nomination process in the district.
The deadline for filing nominations is March 16, while candidates can withdraw their nominations until March 17.
The district administration said the restrictions were imposed in view of the possibility of obstruction or intimidation of vehicles and disruption of normal public life during the nomination process.
Authorities also apprehended that such incidents could lead to breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity, resulting in injury to persons or loss of property.
According to officials, nomination papers will be filed, received, and scrutinized in the offices of the respective Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers located within the premises of the Deputy Commissioner's office in Tura.
Under the order, obstruction to the movement of vehicles has been prohibited, along with the carrying or concealing of sticks, stones, missiles, firearms, or any other lethal weapons by any person, group, or organization.
Unlawful assembly of five or more persons aimed at causing such obstruction has also been banned. The order further prohibits interference in the lawful functioning of shops, establishments, and offices.
Officials said the restrictions would not apply to personnel from the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and other law enforcement agencies deployed on official duty.