The East Khasi Hills district magistrate has imposed Section 144 CrPC prohibiting rallies and assembly of five or more people.
Isawanda Laloo, IAS, District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills said that ‘it is learnt that other NGOs and groups are also planning ……. ‘Surprise rallies’ within the limits of Shillong City’
In a statement, the District magistrate said, this is done“with a aim to prevent any NGO/ group or untoward elements from blatantly misusing such rallies/processions to indulge in criminal acts thereby disrupting public order, and any other such acts which cause severe inconvenience to the public at large.”
Under this Laloo prohibits, “The assembly of 5 or more people for the purpose of any rally or procession within the whole Shillong City limits, including the Shillong Urban Agglomeration area.
The movement of an assembly of 5 or more people in any rally or procession within the whole Shillong City limits, including the Shillong Urban Agglomeration area.”
The order is not applicable to religious processions, which have obtained due permission and undertake to strictly adhere to conditions given.
“Any violation of the said order will attract penal provisions under Section 188 of the IPC, and any other as deemed fit and appropriate,” the DC warned.
She further said, “….it has been observed that several NGOs/ groups/ organisers carry out processions/ rallies within the city limits of Shillong from time to time for protesting against various issues;
And whereas it has been seen that the organisers do not comply with either one or many of the conditions imposed by this authority.”
“And whereas, such processions also cause severe inconvenience and disturbance to commuters, pedestrians, school-children, parents and the public at large; And whereas, in one such rally held in Shillong on 28th October 2022, several incidents of assault of commuters and vandalism of vehicles took place, which have caused a fear psychosis amongst the public at large,” the DC added.