Meghalaya: Prohibitory orders for LS vote counting will not be lifted, says EKH administration

Shillong: East Khasi Hills district administration in Meghalaya stated that the restriction of victory rallies and processions after the Lok Sabha vote count on June 4 will not be lifted.

Magistrate SC Sadhu said that section 144 of the CrPC, prohibiting such gatherings, will be enforced throughout the district until June 6th at 4 pm.

"We have no objection to celebrations at the local level," clarified Sadhu, who inspected vote counting centres at Polo Ground with election officials.

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He cited traffic congestion experienced during last year's assembly elections as justification for the restrictions.

The upcoming vote count falls on a workday, further adding to concerns.

The Voice of the People Party condemned the limitations, calling them "authoritarian" and a violation of democratic participation rights. The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation also criticized the move as "excessive and unnecessary."

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In contrast, the National People's Party spokesperson, Himalaya M Shangpliang, acknowledged the District Magistrate's authority to make such decisions based on situational assessments.

Meanwhile, Sadhu assured elaborate arrangements for the Shillong parliamentary seat vote count.

He inspected the site to brief officials, media personnel, and security forces deployed at strong rooms and counting centres.

Ballots from all seven districts will be counted at Polo Ground.