Voters can still go to their respective polling stations on Election Day
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 26 (MExN): Ahead of the statewide polls on February 27, curfew has been imposed in the whole of Mokokchung , Longleng and Phek districts; Tseminyu Sub Division of Kohima district and Dhansiripar Sub Division of Dimapur district.
In Mokokchung, following several instances of poll related violence, the DC on February 25 promulgated prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC in the whole of the district. The curfew will remain in force till February 28.
The District Magistrate, Kohima also imposed Section 144 of CrPC in the entire area of Tseminyu sub-division under Kohima district “in view of reports of violence, vandalism etc in Tseminyu, disturbing the public peace and tranquility, which has a direct bearing on the peaceful conduct of elections.”
The order has come into effect as of February 26 and will be in force till further order. It prohibits assembly of five or more persons, carrying of fire arms, stones, lathis, explosive materials or any such items.
It however does not hinder government officials involved in the conduct of elections and maintenance of law and order and essential services. Voters going to their respective polling stations to cast their vote on February 27 are also exempted from the purview of the order.
In Phek, the District Magistrate also promulgated curfew under Section 144 CrPC in Phek Town and surrounding areas with immediate effect from 6:00pm to 6:00am daily till further order. An order from the Magistrate notified that public meetings and unlawful assemblies, assembly/ movement of more than 5 persons together in the area have been prohibited. The order has been promulgated taking into consideration the “volatile situation in the area and to ensure free and fair election in the town.”
In Dimapur, the Commissioner of Police and District Magistrate issued an order today promulgating 144 CrPC in Dhansiripar Sub-Division, Dimapur prohibiting assembly of 5 or more persons and carrying of fire arms, stones, lathis, explosive materials or any such items.
The order said there is “every reason to believe that unknown miscreants and disgruntled persons may attempt to create disorder and trouble in Dhansiripar Sub-Division, Dimapur thereby interfering in the smooth and fair conduct of election and thereby may cause a breach of peace and public tranquility.”
The order came into effect as of February 26 and will be in force till completion of polling process. Exemptions from the purview of the order include security forces, magistrate on duty, persons engaged in government business and government officials involved in the conduct of elections and maintenance of law and order and essential services.
The District Magistrate for Longleng also issued an order promulgating 144 CrPC prohibiting assembly of 5 or more persons and carrying of fire arms, stones, lathis, explosive materials or any such items. It came into effect from 6:00pm of February 26.
In Kiphire, the District Magistrate has restricted the movement of three or more persons in groups between 6:00pm to 6:00am with effect from February 25 till the entire election process is over.
It may be noted however that despite the curfew, voters going to their respective polling stations to cast their vote on February 27 are exempted from the purview of the orders.
