East Khasi Hills District Magistrate Rosetta Mary Kurbah, IAS, has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prohibit demonstrations, rallies, and gatherings in the Mawryngkneng area.
The order follows escalating tensions between the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) and cement companies over compliance with state-notified ferry charges.
“It has been observed that Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTO&DA) has organized gatherings and blockades in Mawryngkneng area under East Khasi Hills District. And whereas I am of the opinion that such demonstration if allowed to be held will cause obstruction, hinder the movement of traffic and lead to crowding and congestion and may also result in disturbance of public peace and tranquillity,” the order stated.
Accordingly, the District Magistrate directed that – “Any person or group of person for holding demonstration/rally within Mawryngkneng C&RD Block,” and “carrying of arms and any other lethal weapons or any other item/materials having the potential to be used as a weapon which can likely cause grievous injury or harm to any person(s)”—stand prohibited.
The order, issued ex parte “in view of the urgency of the matter,” came into force with immediate effect and will remain valid until further orders. Violations will attract penal provisions under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws.
