Section 144 Clamped in Kokrajhar Amid Reports of 'Communal Disturbances'

Kokrajhar, August 22, 2019:

With a view to maintain law and order in the district, some prohibitory orders under the Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) have been imposed in Kokrajhar district of Assam. Mention-ably, this has occurred only a few months ahead of the all-important Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, with tensions starting to rise.

An order from the DC of the district, Partha Pratim Majumdar, said that orders have been promulgated across the district prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons in public places, holding of processions/rallies/meetings/shouting slogans, pillion riding (except in the case of minors, women, and senior citizens), use of 'full mask' helmet by riders, use of tinted glass in vehicles, use of microphone outdoors, and the brandishing or selling of weapons or crackers.

The order shall remain in force until further orders are issued, the DC informed.

The Section 144 was clamped in view of there being reports from various sources that there is the likelihood of violation of Law and Order situation due to group clashes and communal violence.

Furthermore, the local administration has also got reports from many sources that unidentified persons and organizations carrying and brandishing weapons in several parts of the district.

This is especially concerning as lives have been lost due to communal violence and group clashes in Kokrajhar in the past.

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