Meghalaya: Section 144 imposed in Shillong to prevent rallies

Shillong: Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district magistrate has imposed Section 144 CrPC on Monday to prevent ‘surprise rallies’ by pressure groups across Shillong.

The order was to prevent any groups or untoward elements from blatantly misusing rallies to indulge in criminal acts, thereby disrupting public order.

Meanwhile, the order is not applicable to religious processions, which have obtained due permission and undertake to strictly adhere to the conditions given, officially stated.

“Several NGOs, groups, and organizers carry out processions within the city limits of Shillong from time to time for protesting against various issues and they do not comply with either one of many of the conditions imposed by the district administration”, officially stated.

The order said the rally held on October 28 has caused fear psychosis amongst the public at large besides causing inconvenience and disturbance to commuters, pedestrians, school children, parents, and the public at large.

The official added that the order prohibits the assembly of five or more people for the purpose of any rally or procession within the entire Shillong City limits, including the Shillong Urban Agglomeration area.

The violators will attract penal provisions under Section 188 of the IPC and any other as deemed fit and appropriate, the official said.