Meghalaya: VPP to defy section 144, march to Polo Ground on counting day

Shillong: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) in Meghalaya announced plans to gather in large numbers at Polo Ground on June 4, the day votes for the Shillong Parliamentary seat will be counted.

VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit addressed reporters, stating that despite an order from East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner (DC) SC Sadhu invoking Section 144 CRPC, party leaders and supporters will march to the Polo Ground to witness the election results.

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Basaiawmoit revealed that the party had petitioned the DC to revoke the order but received no positive response.

He asserted that people have the right to know the election outcome and celebrate their anticipated victory.

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He urged the public to disregard the order, which he believes infringes on democratic rights.

"We will not accept any government order that attempts to strip away the rights of the people in a democratic setup. Meghalaya does not have a history of post-election violence among supporters," Basaiawmoit stated.

He criticized the justification for Section 144 CRPC, arguing that concerns about traffic snarls on counting day are unfounded.