Meghalaya: Prohibitory orders for LS vote counting will not be lifted,
Representative image.

In view of the prevailing situation in Meghalaya due to COVID19 pandemic, the district magistrate of East Khasi Hills has imposed 144 CrPC in the district with effect from June 30.

As per a prohibitory order issued on Monday by East Khasi Hills district magistrate M. War Nongbri, the prohibition will remain effective between 5 AM to 9 PM each day in all of East Khasi Hills district including Shillong Urban Agglomeration, Civil Sub-Division of Sohra/Pynursla and C&RD Blocks.

The district magistrate has issued the order in exercise of the powers conferred upon her under section 144 CrPC, read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020.

The order will remain effective up to July 6 until further orders.

The order has been issued to “put in place preventive measures and awareness, to identify and take more stringent steps to ensure social distancing so that the pandemic of COVID19 is contained, reduced and eliminated in East Khasi Hills district and Meghalaya by way of ensuring observance of strict protocols of the advisories” issued by the Meghalaya health department.

The order has prohibited the inter-state movement.

“Assembly whatsoever and while enforcing this, every individual to mandatorily maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet, wearing of masks, respiratory etiquette and to strictly follow without fail, the various protocols and advisories of the Government in the Health and Welfare department at all times,” the order said.

Operation of unregulated major markets (iew heh/ iew die lang) and unregulated shopping complexes; border haats and markets located in the inter-state borders, has been prohibited.

Operation of all cinema halls, gymnasium, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditorium, assembly halls and similar recreational places has been prohibited.

All forms of contact sports and spectators in sports grounds and stadia have been prohibited.

The order also prohibits operation of educational institutions, training centers and coaching classes (tuition) barring online/distance learning.

Opening of religious places/places of worship of all faiths to the public including religious gatherings and congregation is not allowed.

However, marriage rituals in places of worship is permitted only after obtaining due permission from the district magistrate.

All forms of large public gathering and congregation including social, political, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious functions are not allowed.

Moving in public, work places and during transport without a mask is also not allowed.

Spitting in public places; consumption of liquor, paan, gutka and tobacco in public places have been prohibited.

Operation of cyber café, gaming parlours, jackpot parlours and lottery counter is not allowed.