
SHILLONG: In a quick reaction to a vandalism case on February 21, 2025, the District Magistrate of East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, Shivansh Awasthi, has issued immediate prohibitions in Wapungskur and Bataw villages. The directive is aimed at ensuring public order and safety in the area after an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) was destroyed.
The directive, made under Section 163 of the BNSS, stipulates a number of major prohibitions to avoid further disturbances. Among the bans, the gathering of more than five people is prohibited in and around Wapungskur and Bataw except at the Polling Station. Additionally, the carrying of arms or lethal weapons is prohibited in these areas, except for authorized security personnel.
The order also forbids any acts that impede the free movement of people and any activity that causes disturbance to public peace and order. Because of the seriousness of the situation, the order came ex parte and shall continue until further notice.
Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and security forces are deployed to ensure compliance with the restrictions. The measures reflect an intention to shield the community from any escalation of tensions in the wake of the recent incident. The action of the District Magistrate reflects a desire to ensure stability in the villages concerned.
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