Security personal on duty at the Urban Local Body bye-election to Ward No. 8 (Tsumang B) under Wokha Town Council on June 16. (Morung Photo)
Wokha, June 16 (MExN): The District Magistrate of Wokha has clamped prohibitory orders in Ward No. 8 under Wokha Town Council with immediate effect in view of rising tension and apprehension of breach of peace in connection with the Town Council election being held on June 16.
The order, which comes into effect immediately, follows “credible information” inputs indicating existing tension and a reasonable apprehension among rival groups and supporters in the ward under the Wokha Town Council.
Citing a reasonable apprehension of obstruction, intimidation and disturbance to public tranquility during the election process, the District Magistrate has imposed a blanket ban on the assembly of five or more persons for unlawful purposes. The directive also strictly prohibits the carrying of arms, weapons, sticks, daos, machetes, catapults and explosives, classifying them as articles capable of being used to cause harm.
In a bid to ensure the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections, authorities have also barred any acts of intimidation, coercion, threats or inducement directed at electors, polling personnel and election officials. The order makes it clear that any act, speech, slogan or activity likely to provoke violence, create communal tensions or disturb public peace will invite strict legal action.
Furthermore, the administration has warned against the obstruction of movement for election officials, security personnel and voters heading to or from polling stations.
The prohibitory order will remain in force until further orders or the completion of the election process, whichever is earlier. However, it will not apply to personnel of the Police, Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and other government agencies engaged in law and order and election duties, along with election officials authorized by the concerned authority.
Due to the exigency of the situation and limited time, the order has been issued ex-parte. Authorities have warned that any person contravening the order will be liable for prosecution under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The Superintendent of Police, Wokha, has been directed to ensure the strict enforcement of this order in “letter and spirit.”
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