Nagaland ULB elections: 144 CrPC imposed in four districts

DIMAPUR — With a view to maintain peace and tranquility during the conduct of urban local body (ULB) elections in the three districts of Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland, Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, has promulgated prohibitory orders under 144 CrPC, covering the three districts.

In an order issued on Tuesday, the commissioner of police informed that the prohibitory orders will be enforced within the jurisdiction of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC) Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC), Medziphema Town Council (MTC) and Niuland Town Council (NTC), effective from 5pm of June 25 (Tuesday) till 7pm of June 27.

The order prohibits assembly in group of five or more people in public places within the jurisdiction of the stated municipal and town councils, except within the 100 meter perimeter of the polling station during the scheduled polling period.

Movement of person  from one ward to another or from adjoining villages to municipal or town council jurisdictions on the day of poll has been prohibited.

It also prohibited holding and attending of any public meeting, procession or any unlawful assembly in connection with election;      displaying to the public any election matter by means of any print, electronic media or other similar apparatus, or propagating any election matter in any polling area, intended or calculated to influence or affect the result of election.

Further, the prohibitory orders extend to carrying of lethal weapons and firearms in public places including lathis, machete (dao), daggers, sticks, spears, swords, catapult etc; carrying of any kind of inflammable objects which may endanger public life and property; use of PA system in any public places or near the polling station so as to cause public annoyance or disturbance.

Any individual or group found in contravention of the order shall be liable for punitive action under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code and the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023, the order stated.

In a separate order, the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Peren, Vineet Kumar also imposed Section 144 of CrPC across Peren district with effect from 5 pm of June 25 till 11 pm June 26.

The order was issued to take precautionary measures to prevent occurrence of any untoward incidents and in the interest of maintaining peace and tranquility in all town council areas of Peren district during the schedule for the conduct of ULB elections in free and fair manner,

The order prohibited assembly of five or more persons and vehicular movement of non-essential nature. However, officials and staff of district administration, security personnel, magistrate on duty, medical personnel and person engaged in election duty, essentials services are exempted from the purview of the order.

Movement of vehicles carrying goods, passenger or essential commodities, press and media, telecom services, medical emergencies, are also be exempted.