HT Correspondent
HAMREN, March 17: In view of the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections, 2026, scheduled for April 9, the District Administration of West Karbi Anglong has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to maintain public peace, law and order and ensure smooth conduct of the electoral process.
The order, promulgated by District Magistrate Preeti Kumari, IAS, comes into force immediately and will remain effective until the declaration of election results.
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As per the order, assembly of five or more persons in public places without prior permission is strictly prohibited. Carrying of arms or objects that may be used as weapons is also banned. Rallies, public meetings, demonstrations and processions require prior permission and activities obstructing traffic or disturbing public peace are barred.
Use of loudspeakers without permission, especially between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM and near sensitive locations such as hospitals, educational institutions and religious places has been prohibited. The order also bars inflammatory speeches, anti-social or anti-national slogans and dissemination of objectionable messages through social media or other platforms that may disrupt communal harmony or the election process.
Activities such as bursting firecrackers, using animals or children in campaign activities and defacement of public or private property through posters, banners, or wall writing are also restricted.
The order exempts lawful activities such as voting, routine market activities, educational functions, religious ceremonies and official duties by government personnel, security forces and election officials.
The District Administration has urged all citizens, political parties, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the guidelines to ensure peaceful, free, and fair elections. Any violation will invite legal action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
