DIMAPUR, June 28 (MExN): As the State Election Commission prepares for the counting of votes for the Urban Local Body (ULB) Election 2024, the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC) to prevent potential disturbances.
The Commissioner of Police, Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, stated that the order is a precautionary measure to ensure peace and public tranquillity during and after the vote counting process scheduled for June 29, 2024. "There is an apprehension of a breach of peace and threat to public tranquillity within the jurisdictions of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC), Chumoukedima Town Council (CTC), Medziphema Town Council (MTC), and Niuland Town Council (NTC)," Sophie explained.
The prohibitory order, effective from 6:00 AM on June 29, 2024, to 6:00 AM on June 30, 2024, restricts several activities to maintain order. These include processions, rallies, public meetings by any candidate or political party, and the carrying of lethal weapons and inflammable objects in public places. "Carrying lathis, machetes, daggers, sticks, spears, swords, and other such items is prohibited, as is the bursting of firecrackers and the unauthorized use of PA systems or loudspeakers that could cause public nuisance or disturbance," stated Sophie.
The Commissioner emphasized that any individual or group found violating these orders would face punitive action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code or other relevant Acts and Regulations. "This order is being passed ex-parte due to the circumstantial exigency and will be communicated to the public through the press and by posting notices on official notice boards across Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts," he added.
