District Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Manish Kumar, IAS, has imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, within the premises and boundary of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat.
The order was issued following information received through social media platforms, news reports and other sources regarding the likelihood of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) undertaking a sit-in demonstration, protest or other public gathering in and around the DC’s Office. The administration expressed apprehension that such gatherings could cause obstruction, disturb public peace and tranquillity, disrupt the normal functioning of the office, interfere with the movement of persons and vehicles, lead to a breakdown of law and order or result in damage to public property.
The restrictions, which take immediate effect, prohibit assemblies of five or more persons for protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, dharnas, public meetings or other gatherings likely to disturb public peace, public order or tranquillity. The carrying, possessing or displaying of sticks, lathis, daos, firearms, ammunition, explosive substances, inflammable materials, lethal weapons or other objects capable of causing injury or damage to persons or property is also prohibited.
The order further prohibits acts, conduct, slogans, speeches or activities likely to disturb public order, peace and tranquillity, including provocation, intimidation, incitement to violence or confrontation. No person or group is permitted to obstruct or interfere with the free movement of pedestrians, vehicles, emergency services, government officials or essential services within the area covered by the order.
Any act resulting in, or intended to result in, damage to or destruction of public or private property is also prohibited. However, the restrictions do not apply to persons on duty in the discharge of official functions, including magistrates, police and security personnel, emergency and medical services, other authorised government officials, or persons specifically exempted by the competent authority.
Any person found violating or disobeying the order will be liable for legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other relevant provisions of law. The order has been passed ex-parte due to the urgency of the matter and will remain in force until further orders.