Free movement of persons in Indo-Bangladesh border prohibited in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 25, 2023

In order to ensure a free and fair polling and incident free polling, the District Magistrate West Jaintia Hills District banned the free movement of any persons except voters across inter-state and inter district boundaries with immediate effect and shall remain in force until after the day of polling of votes on Monday.

According to the District Magistrate, the Election Commission of India instructed in its SOP for last 72 hours till counting, all interstate, inter district and international borders are to be sealed for movement of people and vehicles.

There is an apprehension that undesirable elements or arms and ammunition of illegal money or contraband or any manner may be transported into the constituencies within the district from outside.

The District Magistrate viewed the recent events at the interstate border between Meghalaya and Assam, there is likelihood that any small incident may disrupt the fragile peace in the bordering areas.

Moreover, the District shares an international boundary with Bangladesh measuring 37.74 kilometers which remained unfenced and may be used by undesirable elements from beyond the border to create mischief.

Under Section 144 CrPC, the District Magistrate ban the free movement of private and commercial vehicles across the interstate and inter district boundary and also the free movement of all vehicles and persons across the international boundary.

Meanwhile, The District Magistrate East Khasi Hills District has promulgated Section 144 Cr. PC prohibiting the movement of individuals within one km radius of Indo-Bangladesh border of East Khasi Hills District from Friday to Thursday, next.

The order was necessitated as any unregulated movement of individuals between the two countries might lead to law and order problem endangering human life, safety and disturbance to public tranquillity