Guwahati: Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Abhishek Saini has ordered a ban on unauthorised vehicle stoppages, road blockades, forced permit checks and other activities that disrupt traffic in the district amid recent unrest along the Assam-Meghalaya route.
The order was issued in Nongpoh on August 22 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. It will remain effective for 60 days unless withdrawn or amended earlier.
The move comes after Assam-based commercial transport operators, tourist taxi associations and drivers called off their agitation and blockades, allowing normal inter-State movement to resume. However, authorities said there were concerns that local taxi associations, including the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA), or other groups could attempt fresh or retaliatory blockades.
Under the order, commercial vehicles, tourist taxis, private vehicles and goods carriers cannot be stopped, intercepted or physically prevented from entering or travelling through Ri-Bhoi without authorisation.
The restrictions also cover chakka jams, sit-ins, rallies, human chains and the placement of tyres, boulders or other objects on NH-06, state highways, bypasses, link roads and entry or exit check-gates if they obstruct traffic.
Forcibly removing passengers or tourists from vehicles, threatening drivers, collecting unauthorised fees or fines and enforcing directions issued by transport associations without legal authority have also been prohibited.
The order further bars gatherings of five or more people along transit routes, toll plazas and entry points when their purpose is to picket, intercept vehicles or obstruct the movement of traffic.
Authorities have also prohibited provocative audio or video messages, press statements and social media posts aimed at encouraging transport unions or the public to impose fresh blockades or take retaliatory action.
Those violating the restrictions will face penal action under the relevant provisions of the BNS, 2023, as well as Section 8B of the National Highways Act, 1956.