Northeast Desk, 25th June: In preparation for the Urban Local Body Elections 2024, scheduled on June 26th for Dimapur Municipal Council and other councils in Police Commissionerate Districts, Commissioner of Police Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
The order aims to maintain public peace and tranquillity during the electoral process and imposes several restrictions:
- Assembly Restrictions: Public assembly of five or more people is prohibited in public places within the jurisdictions of Dimapur Municipal Council, East Dimapur Town Council, Chumoukedima Town Council, Medziphema Town Council, and Niuland Town Council. An exception is made within 100 meters of polling stations during the polling period.
- Movement Restrictions: Movement from one ward to another or from adjoining villages to Municipal/Town Council areas on the day of polling is restricted.
- Banned Activities: Public meetings, processions, and unlawful assemblies related to the elections are strictly prohibited. Display or propagation of election-related content through print, electronic media, or similar means is also banned.
- Prohibited Items: Carrying lethal weapons, firearms, inflammable objects, and using PA systems in public places or near polling stations is prohibited.
The prohibitory order will be effective from 5:00 PM on June 25, 2024, until 7:00 PM on June 27, 2024. Violators of the order will face punitive action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023.
Due to the urgent circumstances, the order was issued ex-parte and will be disseminated through press releases and notice boards across offices of District Administration, DCPs, ADCPs, ACPs, and Police Stations in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts.
The stringent measures are aimed at ensuring a smooth and peaceful conduct of the Urban Local Body Elections, safeguarding public safety and electoral integrity in the region.