Kupwara, May 18 ; Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls for the 1-Baramulla parliamentary constituency seat, authorities in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district imposed restrictions in the district.
An order, a copy of which is with the News Agency Kashmir Scroll, reads: “Whereas, the Polling (Phase-5th) for General Elections to Lok Sabha-2024 for 1- Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency is scheduled on 20th May 2024. Whereas, it is essential to conduct the Elections in a free, fair and transparent manner and it is equally important to maintain public peace, order and tranquility as per the Law and Model Code of Conduct, as applicable with effect from 16-03-2024. Whereas, under Section 126 of the Representation of Peoples Act 1951, no public meetings, processions, musical concerts or rallies or any kind of propagation of any election matter for campaigning or electioneering is to be allowed in the last 48 hours from 06:00 PM on 18-05-2024 to 06:00 PM on 20-05-2024.
Whereas, I am satisfied that the circumstances do not permit serving the notices individually upon the persons against whom this order is directed and therefore, under the powers vested in me under sub-section (2) of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, hereby pass the order ex parte.”
Now, therefore, I, Ayushi Sudan, IAS, District Magistrate, Kupwara, in exercise of the powers vested in me under the provisions of Section 144 of CrPC. 1973, do hereby order that from 06:00 PM of 18-05-2024 to 06:00 PM of 20-05-2024 in the jurisdiction of District Kupwara, there shall be a complete ban on holding of public meetings, gathering of 5 or more persons, and the use of loudspeakers. Any other prohibitions as envisaged in the Hon’ble ECI’s instructions and guidelines are also to be observed during the 48-hour silence period.
The undersigned further directs that this order shall not apply to public servants on duty and to bonafide marriage, funeral processions or any other such functions. Also, this order shall not apply to the officers authorized for Election Duty by the District Election Officer, Kupwara or the UT Government/Central Government, including the Polling Officers /Magistrates/Police Officers/Government Staff.
The order further reads that failing to comply with this order shall be liable for necessary action under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and other relevant provisions of the law in force. This order shall be applicable within the territorial jurisdiction of District Kupwara and shall remain in force till 20th May 2024.(KS)
