Section 144 in Hailakandi during Holi festivities

Hailakandi, March 20, 2019:

The Hailakandi district administration promulgated Section 144 CrPC prohibiting people from smearing colours on strangers or throwing anything at vehicles plying on the roads on Holi.

The administration has prohibited, under Section 144 CrPC, the throwing or smearing of coloured powder, water, paints, paint-like materials and any other objectionable material either on any person or vehicle in the district.

The order issued on Tuesday will come into force on March 21 and March 22 in the entire district.

“We have passed the order to avoid any untoward incident so that the festival passes off peacefully. The main objective should be to celebrate Holi in a peaceful and decent manner. Besides, one cannot force anyone to play with colours against his or her wishes,” said District Magistrate Keerthi Jalli.

"We have also asked the police to exercise their vigilance to maintain law and order in the district,” added Jalli.

Hailakandi police are also taking due measures to make sure that law and order prevail in the district during the festivities.

“We have already prepared an action plan on ways to maintain law and order and have instructed all the police stations to exercise extra vigilance during the festival. We will check whether drivers are driving under the influence of alcohol. Those found violating traffic norms would be penalised. Anyone found engaging in anti-social activities will not be spared,” said a top police officer in the district.