TURA:
Additional Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills, S K Marak has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr.PC prohibiting unlawful assembly and movement of five or more persons in groups, carrying of arms, sticks, firearms that can be used as weapon; blocking of public roads, by laying barricades, obstructions that may prevent passage of people or vehicular traffic and any coercive action to prevent the movement of people or vehicular traffic.
The restriction came into effect on February 8 until further orders, in view of the notice brought to the authorities that some conglomeration of pressure groups, NGOs, etc. would resort to agitation by way of night road blockade from 9 pm to 5 am with effect from February 8 to 11 in Garo Hills including the South West district. Such groups have announced their intention to organise such agitation through social media after recent political developments in Garo Hills Autonomous District Council.
There is apprehension that members of such groups are likely to indulge in activities like blocking of roads to prevent movement of vehicles in pursuance of their purpose and intent. Some miscreants may also take advantage of the situation and create mischief and disturbances or indulge in any act that may endanger public safety.
The prohibitory order is a measure taken to prevent breach of peace and disruption of public order. The order will however not apply to members of security personnel engaged in maintenance of law and order or in discharge of their official duties, persons engaged in emergency and safety, rescue operations.
