Photo Courtesy: nenews
Agartala: West Tripura district officials have triggered strict prohibitory orders as the Village Committee elections approach. District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar issued the mandate to secure peaceful and orderly polling. The rules take effect at 4 pm on September 26 and expire at 6 am on September 29.
Gatherings of five or more people are now illegal. The ban covers public rallies, meetings, and the use of loudspeakers, especially within 200 meters of any polling station. Authorities also restricted vehicle convoys, barring two or more motorcycles or cars from traveling together if it constitutes an unlawful assembly. Only voters and pass holders can enter polling booths on election day.
Dr. Kumar issued a formal directive stating, "I, Dr. Vishal Kumar, IAS, District Magistrate & Collector, West Tripura District, Agartala do hereby pass the order to prohibit any kind of assembly consisting of five or more persons with or without weapons or weapon like objects such as lathi, sticks, iron rods, bamboos, stones or any object which may be used as weapon of offence and also hereby prohibit holding of any public meeting, rally, gathering, public address with or without use of loudspeakers etc. anywhere within the limits of West Tripura District including that of the 200 meters periphery of any polling station."
Officials emphasize that these measures aim to protect the electoral process. The administration insists the move intends to keep the peace for the State Election Commission of India guidelines rather than disrupt normal daily life. Voters head to the booths on September 28 between 7 am and 5 pm. Anyone caught breaking these rules faces penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
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