Section 144 clamped in Hailakandi

A Correspondent

Hailakandi, May 16: Apprehending breach of peace and tranquillity, the Hailakandi district administration has clamped Section 144 CrPC with immediate effect. The order issued by District Magistrate Adil Khan, prohibits the assembly of five or more persons, taking out procession, rallies, public meetings and dharna in any public place without prior approval from the district administration. The order prohibits demonstration, picketing and procession in front of offices, public institutions, public undertakings, commercial establishments or any other places of public importance. It also prohibits the carrying of fire arms, weapons or explosive substance of any nature except by police and security personnel. Inflammatory speeches, communal or anti-national, slogan shouting, writing and postering on walls, roads, public or private buildings, vehicles, use of loud speakers and bursting of crackers have been banned. It also prohibits unauthorized construction and encroachment in forest areas and government land.

The order exempts government meetings and programmes. The order says violation of the order will result in prosecution under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Khan held a security meeting with Superintendent of Police and other senior officials of security agencies on Monday to review the law-and-order situation in the district.