After Karimganj, Cachar and Hailakandi clamps 144; TMC Cancels procession, Ripun Bora to address press

Taking preventive measures, Cachar and Hailakandi administrations have also clamped CrPC 144 banning all sorts of gathering, processions and demonstrations.

In Silchar, Hailakandi and across Barak Valley, several groups including the Assam Owaisi Fans Club had planned protests and demonstrations against former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. Considering these protests can boil down to breach of peace and tranquility, the respective administrations have clamped 144.

“Whereas it has been made to appear before me that mass Rallies and protests are being organised in various parts of the district since the last few days involving huge gathering. And, whereas some persons may indulge in anti social activities and intimidate genuine public causing annoyance. And, whereas there is apprehension that this may lead to breach of public peace and tranquility,” states the order issued by Cachar District Administration.

It adds, “Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me V/S 144 Cr.P.C, I, Shri Dipak Jidung, ACS, AddI.District Magistrate, Cachar do hereby order as follows. Prohibit assembly of 5 (five) or more persons at any place of Cachar district. No person shall carry arms, weapons, explosives, lathis, spears, stones or any other lethal weapons which can cause injury, except by Army ,Para-Military Forces, Police on duty. No person/organisations shall take out any procession /Rallies agitational protest or hold any public meeting without specific permission from the District Magistrate /Addl. District Magistrate, Cachar, Silchar. No person shall burst any cracker/bombs/other sound producing materials and display any fireworks in public places and thoroughfares.”

The restrictions include, “No person/organisations shall use any loudspeaker/microphone/sound amplifying devices etc without obtaining specific permission from District Magistrate & Addl. District Magistrate, Cachar.” A similar order has been issued by Hailakandi District Administration as well.

Considering the restrictions imposed, All India Trinamool Congress has altered its plans in Cachar. Earlier, it was announced that Ripun Bora, Assam State President, TMC and MP Rajya Sabha, Sushmita Dev will lead a procession in Silchar. But the party has informed that obeying the CrPC 144 and respecting the district administration, the TMC will call off the procession. Bora will visit Silchar and attend press conferences. He will also hold closed-door meetings but not indulge in any public meetings.